Van Verre 291 - ENG

NYENRODE ALUMNI VCV MAGAZINE NUMBER 291/MARCH 2022

TOP MAN IR. HANS VAN DEN BERG LEADS TATA STEEL INTO HYDROGEN AGE "Everything through my mba at Nyenrode I have learned, coincides."

THEME CLIMATE & ENERGY *CORA VAN NIEUWENHUIZEN figurehead energy sector *Dieselen op frituurvet *IR. DRS. MACHIEL HULSBERGEN with Shell on energy tour *IR. DRS. RUBEN DIJKSTRA frontrunner Offshore Wind *DR. DRS. INGEBORG DE WOLF Wageningen University: environmental innovations agriculture *Ten theses for NBU professor DR. IR. ANDRE NIJHOF *Top women JC ArenA DRS. TANJA DIK & DRS. MARIELLE HOLLANDER *Teen people in psychological distress!

CONTENTS VAN VERRE nr.291 THEME CLIMATE AND ENERGY

HEADINGS ALUMNI VAN VERRE 08 MESSAGE FROM CAPE TOWN:

Gary de Vogel (20107252) CEO Africa HI-TEC: Ubuntu-Spirit. On the Omicron variant and the death of Bishop Desmond Tutu!

THEME 16 Climate and Energy. Introduction.

18

Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (20085603) chairman of EnergieNederland: figurehead of the energy sector! The ex-minister of Infra-structure & Waterstaat on power security and stunting energy providers.

21 Ir. Hans van den Berg (19980702), CEO Tata Steel Netherlands: Green Hydrogen in IJmuiden. Van den berg is in the spotlight of the discussion on the clean future of the "blast furnaces.”

25 Richard Koen RA/RC, Richard Koen RA/RC, business partner of Neste: Dieselen on frying fat. Finland's Neste provides renewable diesel and sustainable kerosene.

10 MESSAGE FROM EDINBURGH:

Madeleine Kemna (19850036), investment expert: Neverendum. She gauges Scottish perceptions of the UN climate summit COP26 in Glasgow.

12 MESSAGE FROM RIO DE JANEIRO:

Hanno Nicolaas Ponder (19750048), businessman/ interviewer: Ambassador Driessen (19790025) says "Brazil is internationally responsible for Amazon forest conservation.

15 PITCH

Alumnus Drs. Michiel Roodenburg (20117432) About his food-app Crisp: a great success.

54 TUMTUM

26 Ir. Drs. Machiel Hulsbergen (19940930), Director Offshore Wind

Hubrecht the First, Audrey Hepburn & Winsemius sr.

from Eneco: "Seasonal storage of green power is the holy grail." Ruben Dijkstra goes full for new tenders of wind farms in the North Sea. He is going to supply large industrial polluters with green power.

55 PRIVATE NEWS Births and deaths.

33 Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof, former top Shell official: "Merkel was wrong to close nuclear power plants and import Russian gas." A tour through the world of oil, gas, nuclear power and renewable energy sources. On the turnaround at Shell, he says: "It's revolutionary. Nothing could be further from the truth."

36 Ir. Drs. Ruben Dijkstra (19970009) Professor of Sustainable Business & Stewardship: "The consumer is one of the last passengers on the sustainability train!" Ten theses about the energy transition answered according to the latest insights. He believes that the green progression will continue, despite military conflicts and geopolitical tension.

41

Dr. Drs. Ingeborg de Wolf (20145115) Wageningen University & Research: Agricultural export success under EU climate rules and Nl. coalition agreement? De Wolf explains the complex climate agenda of the agricultural sector. What should farmers do with circular agriculture? And a transit fund?

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REPORTAGE 50 Coach and former mental health manager Mark

de Haan (20130505): Looking for the light in the eyes. More and more adolescents are getting serious psychological problems. Child psychiatry knows by bureaucratization and pressure from insurance companies not to give an appropriate answer.

EDITORIAL OELE STEENKS (19720057)

SERIES 47 TOP WOMEN

Drs. Tanja Dik (19920911) is the new CEO From the Johan Cruijff ArenA. "There is only one way forward and that is together with Ajax."

She discusses the relationship with our soccer pride and the aftermath of Marc Overmars' alleged sexually transgressive behavior. Marielle Hollander (19880084) says: "It's big and compelling here."

COLUMNS 03 EDITORIAL Oele Steenks: Energy transition hass become politically heavy-handed.

06 PROF DR. JAAP SCHAVELING Let's make our responsibilitytake responsibility.

53 KAPÉ BREUKELAAR: Active passive investing.

VCV NEWS 04 PREFACE CORINA BLOKLAND: Leadership for a sustainable world!

05 NYENRODE ALUMNI VCV NEWS 06 BENEFIT 07 BOARD NEWS 55 COLOPHON

Energy transition has become politically heavy-handed

T

e he developments following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent political, economic and military measures taken by the EU, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and NATO are shocking and bewildering. Within days, Europe has had a wake-up call on the geopolitical front. Peace on this continent has proven not to be a foregone conclusion. It has also become clear that the dependence of EU member states on Russian natural gas and oil is a political factor of the first order. In 2021, the world seemed united at the climate summit in Glasgow. With today's knowledge, it was an international success. There was consensus on the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5%. Drastically reducing the use of coal was a concrete step forward. Furthermore, the pressure on scaling back oil and gas was stepped up.

Germany and the Netherlands must now acknowledge that by importing Russian natural gas they have played into Putin's hands. In both Germany and Netherlands the energy transition must be accelerated, not only to save the planet in the future, but also to support the democracy of tomorrow. Rightly, the topic was already a spearhead of the policy of Cabinet Rutte 4.

In this issue no. 291 of Van Verre, the editors offer a selection of interviews with influential Dutch players in this field, who, as a common denominator, have a Nyenrode education. Writing is Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (2005603), president of Energie-Nederland. Among other things, she discusses the trade in cheap electricity contracts. Stunted suppliers regularly fall over and the consumer pays the price. Ir. Hans van den Berg (19980702), CEO of Tata Steel Netherlands, gives an account of how he is leading the Hoogovens in IJmuiden into the hydrogen era. At the moment he is still in the top ten polluters in our country. Ir. Drs. Machiel Hulsbergen (19940930), former top executive at Shell, takes us on a journey through the world of oil, gas and renewable energy.

He indicated the bottlenecks in the international energy world before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. He also comments on the revolutionary turnaround at Shell.

More positive news comes from Ir. Drs. Ruben Dijkstra (19940930), director at Offshore Wind at Eneco. He explains the rapid rise and profitability of wind farms in the North Sea. The new Minister for Climate and Energy, Drs. Rob Jetten, should play a driving role here by issuing tenders. Richard Koen RA/RC of the Finnish company Neste, contributes to cleaner road transport with biofuel produced from cooking oil. NBU Professor of Sustainable Business & Stewardship Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof discusses ten theses about driving the energy transition. And, last but not least, Dr. Drs. Ingeborg de Wolf of Wageningen University & Research explains the climate-driven challenges facing the Dutch agricultural sector. These are complex issues. It is clear that the traditional Dutch cows, in the meadow and in the stable, are the subject of political pressure.

These are interviews that seamlessly fit into the new reality that Putin is imposing on the democratic world. Alas, it unites the free world in the pursuit of a society that guarantees life on earth. We need to move very quickly toward renewable energy and climate neutral solutions.

In time, this could be an important derivative of the shocking events in Ukraine. ♦ Van Verre, .

Oele Steenks, editor-in-chief

RESPONSES?

josteenks@planet.nl

VAN VERRE 291| 3

FROM THE BOARD CORINA BLOKLAND (20070305) Corina Blokland (20070305) is chair of Nyenrode Alumni VCV. She did PTMSc and EMBA at Nyenrode and is an entrepreneur.

LEADERSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD! This edition focuses on the highly topical subject of Climate & Energy. Personally, I felt the connection to the topic as a farmer's daughter. The climate was discussed daily at the kitchen table.

I am therefore very interested in the article about the nitrogen problem and environmental innovations in the agricultural sector.

O

nder my fellow students, it is striking that a growing number of us are working on sustainability in our own businesses. Some are working in the food sector, others from an energy perspective, and still others with electric propulsion and energy storage in batteries.

Within the VCV, initiatives in the field of Energy and Climate are increasing rapidly. I would point to the active programs of the Agrofood and Sustainability circles. In addition, the topic is addressed in many other circles. I am feeling very positive about the dialogue that has thus been initiated between Nyenrodians.

The reality is that the resources of this world are finite. To our children and grandchildren, we have a responsibility to leave behind a livable earth.

Our Forward for Good initiative contributes to this awareness. During this anniversary year, as many as 75 stories will be published from alumni who want to make a difference. They will inspire Nyenrode's valuable community to then make an impact in a new reality.

I notice in my role as a consultant that change is coming to companies from the ambition to do better rather than to make a check mark. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to make that change concrete.

Real leadership, as you can expect from us Nyenrodians, means that you know how to get a company moving with small and sometimes big(ger) steps. The transition from stakeholder management to shareholder management fits in here. Prof. Dr. Leen Paape recently wrote a book on this subject in which the central question was: "how to avoid that companies are sacrificed to kilo-shareholder thinking, which leads to all sustainability ambitions being thrown overboard.

RESPONSES?

4 | VAN VERRE 291

➜

bloklandc@gmail.com

An all-encompassing conclusion is that pursuing social and environmental value - alongside financial value actually moves companies and organizations forward.

It makes them ready for the future. With that interpretation and mind set, the behavior of leaders, and therefore all employees in an organization, will change.

This process takes time and at the same time requires speed. Shall we agree that as Nyenrodians we will all set our sails for a better world? No matter how small the step forward and no matter where you want to go.

I get positive energy from the cooperation between the VCV and NBU. This will become more and more intensive.

The alumni are going to see that in various ways in the coming years. Our goal is to increase the added value of membership and the network for you. This ranges from career to professional development and from Giving Back to culture, sports and just plain fun.

This year our alma mater is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and of course this will be celebrated in a big way. On Saturday, June 4, the closing party will take place. During the day there is an inspiration festival and in the evening we will dance the night away. As you expect from us, we will surprise and inspire you. On Monday, June 6, as an encore, dispuut Luctor will provide a special Luctor Lustrumkoers. Nice and sporty!

Keep an eye on our platform for all activities.

I speak on behalf of the entire main board when I say that I am tremendously looking forward to meeting all of you live!

Van Verre,

Corina Blokland Chair

ONDERNEMEND NYENRODE

A JOVIAL PODCAST

Ondernemend Nyenrode is a jovial podcast in which ambitious curious students want to learn from successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. How was their journey from student to success? What were crucial moments in their careers? What mistakes do they still wake up sweating from? And what advice do they have for tomorrow's entrepreneurs?

Despite the life experience of the interviewees, the goodnatured hosts/hostesses guarantee, with clever sections in a student-like atmosphere, surprising lessons, fascinating stories and a 'reward for life'!

The board of Ondernemend Nyenrode, consisting of Renske Haafkes (20200815), Joep Toebes, Coen van den Berg, Kim Janssen, Quinten Haast, Max Kasmani and BartJan Bootsman, will once again seek to connect with the business community, Nyenrode students and alumni in the new series.

Their intention is to inspire and prepare young ambitious students and professionals in the field of their shared passion: entrepreneurship.

Ondernemend Nyenrode is a jovial podcast in which ambitious and curious students want to learn from successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. How was their journey from student to success?

What were crucial moments in their careers? What mistakes make them still wake up sweating? And what advice do they have for tomorrow's entrepreneurs?

Despite the life experience of the interviewees, the goodnatured hosts/hostesses with clever sections in a studentlike atmosphere guarantee surprising lessons, fascinating stories and a 'reward for life'!

NYENRODE ALUMNI VCV NEWS GOLF TOURNAMENT

2022

It is time again for the annual Nyenrode Alumni VCV Golf Tournament! This year we are welcome at Golfclub De Hoge Kleij. On Monday, July 4, we will gather in Leusden for a wonderful tournament!

Will you be there (again)?

PASSION FOR CARS AND SOCIABILITY Oldtimer & Convertible day 2022

On Sunday, May 15, we will ride the 30th edition of the Oldtimer- & Convertible Day: that means double Lustrum and so double the festivities! In honor of the Lustrum we will start and end this year at Nyenrode. It will be a day with lots of fun, returning to Nyenrode, and of course a beautiful drive with all your oldtimers and/or convertibles.

Sign up now on our platform: www.nyenrodealumni.nl/events!

About the location: Golfclub De Hoge Kleij has an 18-hole forest and moorland course and is located on the Den Treek Estate, which is part of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The golf course is challenging for golfers of all levels. Some holes have breathtaking views that make you feel as if you are abroad. The greens are challengingly fast and the 19th hole is an oasis of calm overlooking several fairways and greens.

About the tournament: 10:30 a.m.

Registration and reception 11.30 a.m.

Welcome speech and explanation 11.40 a.m.

Group photo 12.00 a.m.

Shotgun from 17.00 a.m.

Drinks 19.00 a.m.

Dinner and award ceremony

ANNUAL CALENDAR 25-03-2022 01-04-2022

KOEN BECKING IN USA

15-05-2022

OLDTIMER & CONVERTIBLE DAY 2022

22-05-2022 24-05-2022

TIME4TUNING

04-06-2022

INSPIRATION FESTIVAL & ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

04-07-2022

GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

20-11-2022

REFRESHMENTDAY

15-12-2022

CHRISTMAS BORREL

For applications and more information: nyenrodealumni.nl and Nyenrode Alumni VCV Office, info@nyenrodealumni.nl, phone 0346 - 291 513

VAN VERRE 291| 5

COLUMN PROF. DR. JAAP SCHAVELING,

Professor of Collaboration & Leadership NBU

W

Let's take responsibility

hat does today's society demand of us all? What does the current society demand after 75 years of Nyenrode?

We are in a transition phase as a society and at Nyenrode.

In my opinion, we should really say goodbye to the old Nyenrode and make the transition to a different Nyenrode that contributes to what society and the planet will need in the coming years.

But what and how? We are all searching. We are in a quest. Our society is constantly characterized by social dilemmas. In dealing with those dilemmas, we (too) often let our own interests take precedence over the negative effect it has on the common good. The way we deal with our earth is comparable to our toilets: defecate in a tube, flush it and it's gone. You never have to deal with your own shit. You press a button and your waste disappears and someone else cleans it up somewhere, you hope. Or as our former Queen said in her Christmas speech in 1988, "What we are witnessing now is not the destruction of the earth in one fell swoop, but in a silent drama. Our world is suffering from deforestation, desertification, pollution and poisoning of air, soil and water, extinction of animal and plant species, depletion of the ozone layer that is supposed to protect us from dangerous radiation, and rising temperatures with threatening consequences, such as rising sea levels. Slowly the earth is dying and the unimaginable - the end of life itself - is becoming conceivable." The Club of Rome had also written this 50 years ago. We can now add to this themes such as inclusiveness and more and more power and possession by a few. We have changed from a society that includes companies and organizations to make our lives a little easier to a society that is controlled by those companies. We, as Nyenrodians, are rightly proud of our past, mentioning everywhere over and over again how we contributed to this world after World War II. Indeed, for many years we have educated people who have helped contribute to today's world. Many good things have been achieved, prosperity has increased, there is less hunger, infant mortality is lower. People are proud to have received their education at Nyenrode. People are proud to teach at Nyenrode. However, in my opinion we as an institution should apologize to the world that we at Nyenrode have realized too late that the way we contributed to the current world is also negatively impacting this society and planet. For too long we have educated people in the frame of neoliberal society. The broader responsibility of organizations and the leadership therein for society and the planet has only really come into focus in recent years despite the warnings of science and the Queen. Also with me. With a look of shame on my face, I have to admit that I too have gone with the flow. I never protested violently when I heard people say that there was no money to be made in sustainability. At most I made a disapproving gesture. My daughter said in response to my oration a few years ago: "Daddy, during our upbringing, when we lived at home, you never talked about the planet.” Not reproachfully, but observationally. I could only be silent, agree and then pick myself up with the thought: "and that has to change from now on." My apologies and those of Nyenrode are in order. Let us at Nyenrode focus on our goal of contributing to the development of "responsible leaders," which I always and everywhere translate into responsible leadership in regard to a sustainable, inclusive

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society. The addition of that moral compass in our mission seems highly desirable to me. And by the way, it is not about leaders, but about people with leadership in all positions in organizations. Fortunately, there is a development underway in which we (Nyenrode and its alumni) face up to these issues and we are slowly but surely developing the justifiable social norm that it is not done to not be involved. However, no one is sure exactly what this means.

Let's acknowledge that we are addicted to behaviors that undermine quality of life in the future. And based on that recognition, examine hand in hand what steps we need to take. What will we no longer do, what behaviors will we stop? What are we going to do? Are we going to sit on a plane to go to conferences or training, indulge in hobbies or go on vacation? Fear of flying turns out to be a very healthy fear with regard to our survival as human beings.

What type of people do we hire and choose as leaders? In any case, one of the big tasks is that we do not exhibit the behavior of the people who score high on Joris Luijendijk's seven check marks. They have been allowed to try over the past centuries. And that has brought us much good, but the negative side effects of their solutions to the issues of society have become too great. By what view of society do we let our education and research be guided? A reductionist one or a more holistic one? I personally think the latter.

In my opinion, a more systemic way of thinking and doing is necessary. We need to look more at the whole, at a higher level of aggregation. Science and management are mostly focused on knowing and improving parts. We may have been doing the things right in recent decades, but we are doing the wrong things. We have focused too much on efficiency instead of effectiveness. Too little attention has been paid to the effects on the viability of the planet for all living species. Also, in my opinion, there should be more emphasis on the commons as a form of cooperation between organizations, as an alternative to the current guiding principles of 'state' and 'market.'

Commons as communities that, by working together, are able to manage scarce resources in a more sustainable way. Nobel Prize winner Ostrom demonstrates this in her research that debunked the myth of 'the tragedy of the commons.' According to more and more scientists, the principle of the commons does indeed represent an alternative to the modern state-market duopoly. Let's behave a little more like slipper animals, objectionable but not intolerable. The new normal is a society with a truly human scale, or better, planetary scale. Tolerable parasites are those species that have evolved so that they secure their own survival and reproduction, but with a minimum of pain and burden to the host. You only become a leader by being forward, by doing what the world needs, by wisdom. By breaking the chain of lineage with the traditional design and management of our organizations. We need people who break the chain. You never become a real leader by improving existing leaders a little. Nyenrode has been able to make a great contribution to society over the past 75 years. Let's make that contribution to the transition that is necessary in the coming years to survive as a society and focus on the really important things and make choices in light of that. Together as alumni and as Nyenrode organization.. ♦

STUDENT BOARD NEWS

DE JONGSTE COMPAGNIE VAN VERRE De Jongste Compagnie van Verre would like to inform you that the current Xth Collegie der Raedt van Vijf will be handing over their positions to a new board in the coming weeks. The Xth Collegie der Raedt van Vijf had a great year in which many new milestones, events and goals were achieved.

In addition, the second lustrum of the JCV was a great success. It is with great confidence that they will pass on the JCV legacy to the XI Collegie der Raedt van Vijf.

History will be made as this board will be the first JCV board to consist only of women. Moreover, the board will have a good balance of not only MSc and MBA students, but for the first time in years also an undergraduate. The new board members are as follows:

Linsey Wijngaerd (president), Jana Stofberg (vice president), Maaike Hoogerwerf (secretary), Amanda Lo (treasurer) and Anne Onrust (commissioner).

VITALITY THEME AT VAS LUSTRUM The Association of Accountancy Students (VAS) is organizing an anniversary party on Saturday, September 3, 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association! The VAS has turned 50 years old in 2021 (due to corona the lustrum has been postponed one year).

We as a study association are committed to representing the interests of accountancy students and contribute to their broad development as accountants. We connect students with each other and with the university.

For the lustrum, all accountancy students are invited, from bachelor to postmaster. This includes approximately 2,700 students! We also want to offer the opportunity to accountancy alumni to be present at the lustrum.

for a festive atmosphere;

THE LUSTRUM WILL CONSIST OF:

On behalf of the members of the lustrum committee.

- The day's program: During the day program we will invite four inspiring speakers who fit our theme: vitality. Think of both formal and informal speakers. There must, of course, be sufficient time

- The evening program: the evening program consists of a dinner and a masquerade gala in Nyenrode's coach house.

Above all, keep up with updates (including ticket sales) via our website: https://vaslustrum.nl/

NCV EVENTS MUST BE MORE SUSTAINABLE As an association, we also have a vision of the climate we want to move toward.

We see that the mix of traditions and innovations is currently balanced.

Ondernemend Nyenrode has launched their podcast and we have a new acquisition committee. With an eye on the upcoming lustrum, we looked at what has already been done and what we want to add to have the most spectacular lustrum possible.

When you talk about climate, the word sustainability cannot be missed. This is a project in which improvement is always possible. This year we are going to make our events more sustainable by introducing reusable cups, for example. How do we make this environment sustainable? We do this together. One reason for appearing in this edition is because it is nice to see how close Nyenrodians remain after their physical departure from the university. In reality we see a community that is open to each other.

This is how we remain a sustainable network.

Van Verre!

The LXXVIIth Collegie der Heeren Vijf

VAN VERRE 291| 7

Gary (30) lives in Cape Town where he is CEO Africa for HI-TEC, Interceptor & Magnum.

ALUMNI OF VERRE

UBUNTU-

South Africa was in the thick of world news with the outbreak of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. SOON AFTER, the country had to say goodbye to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These are extraordinary events, but this country has enormous resilience. It is the "Ubuntu spirit.”

BY GARY DE VOGEL (20107252) - PORTRAIT PHOTO GARY DE VOGEL

T

he South African government has a great research facility. In particular, tracking change in genes in viruses is of a prestigious quality here. This facility was established long ago to fight tuberculosis and HIV. When South Africa found the new coronavirus variant, it was a showpiece of the researchers to show the world that they were still relevant. They had no idea of the implications yet to come.

The genetic code of the virus, B.1.1.529, was soon given a name: Omicron. The name itself instilled additional fear. It sounds like an enemy character from the Transformers saga, saying to the Delta variant, 'You think your wave was bad?

You haven't experienced anything yet.' By the time all the travel bans had been imposed, news was already coming out that Omicron was spreading rapidly, but that there were far fewer hospitalizations and far fewer deaths than with previous variants. However, the harm had been done. Mass cancellation of vacations was the pain South Africa had to endure. The rules felt strange to South Africans because many countries

CAPE TOWN 8 | VAN VERRE 291

allowed their citizens to travel to the red zones, but South Africans and all surrounding countries were not allowed to travel to them.

It was as if their citizens could not contract the Omicron variant, but South Africans could spread it in the countries with travel bans. The first lockdown was already not easy here.

Many jobs were lost and many companies went bankrupt. The stimulus packages involved only a fraction of the U.S. and European aid packages. A lot of companies and individuals in South Africa were not even eligible. Personally, it was not easy to run an organization during a period when no invoice could be sent out for 6 weeks. No income, but the expenses continue.

On the other hand, it was a very nice time. My daughter Donna was born two weeks after the first lockdown. Instead of continually flying to different countries in Africa, I was able to watch her grow up from a little miracle to a beautiful 2-yearold, curly-haired girl who comes running to me when I return from a business trip. When I have to work in the evening, she crawls behind the laptop to "help.” After nearly two years of corona troubles, many African countries realized that it is no longer about humanitarian versus economic decision making.

It comes down to the choice between humanitarian versus humanitarian. One keeps the economy and life-sustaining activities going, the other saves more people from succumbing to covid-19, but at a very high cost per life saved. In short, a choice between poverty deaths or coronavirus fatalaties.

Meanwhile, a new variant called 'IHU' has been found in France. All cases were linked to Cameroon within days, but no cause for alarm heard. No travel bans were imposed on France, but IHU infections, hospitalizations and deaths skyrocketed. Researchers in Cyprus found the new Deltacron variant, which is a mixture between the Delta and Omicron viruses. Another variant not to worry too much about.

Because there was not one response from an economic superpower, as seen before in the direction of South Africa.

South Africans felt they were being bullied because their economy is irrelevant. When the travel bans to South Africa were eased, it came too late as the vacation season was nearing its end. WHO's African Director Matshidiso Moeti said, "Now that the Omicron variant has been detected in several regions of the world, a travel ban targeting the continent of Africa is an attack on global solidarity."

MESSAGE FROM CAPE TOWN- GARY DE VOGEL

-SPIRIT The color purple

The death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was no surprise to me. At an event 2 years earlier, I was to meet him in person for the first time. He did not show up that day because his battle with prostate cancer was getting tougher and he needed urgent medical attention. Purple was the color that was associated with him. Purple was the color with which he fought for human rights, in which he contributed to the anti-apartheid movement in office. Purple was the color that reminded all South Africans of the "Ubuntu spirit.”

Ubuntu comes from the Zulu language. The Zulus are the largest population group in South Africa. They live mainly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Literally translated, Ubuntu means 'humanity,' not referring to a person as an individual in a group, but to the whole of people who all depend on each other. It translates to "I am because you are.” It is a belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all of humanity. If you have it a little better tomorrow than today, then we all have it a little better. The Ubuntu spirit bore fruit this past year. South Africans worked so hard in 2021. Companies performed above expectations, salary increases were made and bonuses were approved. South Africans would enjoy a well-deserved vacation and if travel is not allowed, why not enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world. In doing so, we were helping our own people and the local economy was stimulated. We all disinfected our hands when entering a store or restaurant, our body temperature was measured, and in public places, mouthguards were mandatory and were worn. It made us feel safe. In a restaurant, outside in the fresh air, there was enough room for 1.5 meters of distance. Meanwhile, lockdowns were again imposed abroad. There you couldn't exercise or go out to dinner. A few weeks later, walking through the beautiful streets of Stellenbosch, I heard Germans, Dutch and French again. It seemed as if those tourists, in addition to getting rid of a Vitamin D deficiency, also wanted to feel the “Ubuntu spirit.” I am proud of the South African people. They don't give up. After Jacob Zuma, the previous president, was imprisoned for widespread corruption, cronies of his tribe started looting on a large scale. This started in Durban and spread to Johannesburg. According to Bloomberg, this cost $3.5 billion. In addition, corruption has caused power plants to go unmaintained for years. After a change of political leadership, there is a chance to rectify this. But

this comes with additional maintenance plans for power plants and not enough network power for the consumption of the population. The solution to this is "loadshedding.”

Sometimes up to three times a day, for two hours at a time, your neighborhood has no power. For businesses, this is something of an impossible battle. And yet, South Africans wake up and make the most of that day. If government corruption disappeared and our tax money went to destinations that actually needed it, South Africa might just be in the top of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Meanwhile, my business is growing steadily. HI-TEC is a brand specializing in sporting goods, founded in 1974 by alumnus Frank van Wezel, active in 100 countries and very big in South Africa. From our headquarters of Cape Town, we supply the entire continent of Africa. We are known here from functional hiking shoes to beautiful winter jackets and backpacks. With sales doubling in 4 years, most of it in the two years of coronavirus and with a healthier profit than ever before, we can only call ourselves blessed. However, it was not without blood, sweat and tears. HI-TEC imports many items from China. There are container shortages worldwide, which in turn results in higher cost prices and longer delivery times.

Our outdated ports don't really help either. Fortunately, we did not have any orders outstanding in Vietnam that could not deliver for an entire season. But we took to heart a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.:"If you can't fly, run; if you can't run, walk; if you can't walk, crawl; but whatever you do, keep moving forward.” ♦

VAN VERRE 291| 9

NEVERENDUM In recent years I have written a lot about Nyenrodians around the world in the "Chatting with" section. For this issue, the editors asked me to write a contribution about Scotland, where Ton Christiaanse (19820144) and I have been living for over 12 years now. The occasion was the fact that last November the UN climate conference COP26 took place in Glasgow. How did the Scots digest this 'event'?

BY MADELEINE KEMNA (19850036) - PORTRAIT PHOTO MADELEINE KEMNA

S

ince we moved here in 2009, a lot has changed.

This is mainly due to the 2014 referendum that voted on a possible Scottish exit from the UK. A small majority (55%) voted against leaving, but unfortunately that resulted in a very polarized society. The nationalist government had promised that the referendum would be “once in a generation,” but nothing turns out to be further from the truth. It is a “neverendum.”

This is in large part because of the nationalist Pavlov reaction to claim, in the face of everything that happens in London, that things are much better off in Scotland.

Sometimes it is, but often it isn't. Brexit threw oil on the fire. In Scotland, 62% voted against leaving the EU, and the nationalists saw this as an occasion for another referendum. However, this cannot be done lightly; the British government must authorize such a plebiscite and the Conservatives do not feel like it. The UK government's decision to put Glasgow forward to host COP26 cannot therefore be seen in isolation from the desire to show the Scots the benefits of UK membership.

Another important reason is that Scotland is potentially one of the greenest places on earth. The enormous amount of wind and strong currents with raging waves, sometimes as high as 20 meters, on the coast provide an ideal

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environment for green energy generation. Unfortunately, few investors have the patience and dedication to put money into this. On a visit to the Orkney Islands in the far north of Scotland, I felt the frustration of the locals at the lack of support to further develop the knowledge and ingenuity that exists there. “In the 1990s the UK was a frontrunner in green energy, but now we have been overtaken left and right by countries like Denmark and Germany,” I overheard.

A good example of Orkney's potential is the test it organized for Microsoft between 2018 and 2020.

Specialized local companies helped the software giant to place a data center with 864 servers in a special container on the seabed. For two years, the servers were continuously monitored and analyzed. In 2020, the container was hoisted up again, as planned. This test provides the basis for extensive evaluations to discover how data centers can operate in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

Underwater, less energy needs to be used for cooling and there is even a possibility of using locally generated green power from wind, tides and waves. In addition, it turned out that far fewer servers failed underwater than on land.

What about the Scots themselves? Eddy Dekker (20020407), the only other Nyenrodian in Scotland, provides an interesting insight. “The governing Scottish National Party (SNP) has changed in five years from a supporter of fossil fuels to an opponent. A few years ago, during the independence referendum, companies like Shell and BP were still seen as drivers of prosperity and the basis for a bright independent future. I have experienced this personally, since until a few years ago I often worked for them as a consultant. Now many activities are being scaled down and new investments are being postponed. So there is not really a gradual transition; the Scottish government has turned radically around -perhaps to use climate change as a new argument for independence.”

Scotland does indeed have ambitious targets, but so far

ALUMNI VAN VERRE MESSAGE FROM EDINBURGH-MADELEINE KEMNA they are not being met. There is a legal obligation to be climate neutral by 2045 - 5 years before the rest of the UK. The most recent figures are from 2019 and at that time greenhouse gas emissions were 51.5% lower than in 1990.

The target was 55%.

As I look around I see some areas where there is still considerable room for improvement. I know of hardly anyone in Edinburgh who drives (fully) electric.

That's not surprising when you consider that in the whole of the UK, about 6 times the size of the Netherlands, there are only 1800 charging points. You find them mostly in and around London. Great was the Scottish shame when it turned out that there was not enough capacity to charge all electric cars during COP26. Generators running on vegetable oil brought the solution.

Still, the Scots really do have something to be proud of.

The goal of generating the equivalent of 100% of electricity needs from green sources by 2020 was only narrowly missed, falling to 97.4%. Scotland has a Green Academy where it is ensured that there are enough trained staff for new projects in the sustainable sector. Graduates can probably start work immediately. There are already a number of huge wind farms on Scottish soil and off the Scottish coast.

issued back then without keeping a piece of state property themselves that could provide additional income for future generations.

The same seems to be happening now with wind farm auctions. A British/Scottish state oil fund - of which I saw a Norwegian variant when I lived in Norway - has never come to pass here, and a renewable energy fund also seems far away now.”

Good climate agreements were made in Glasgow that could be an important step in the right direction. On the other hand, 102500 tons of CO2 were released as a result of COP26, the same as the annual emissions of 10,000 British households. From the looks of it, the Scots weren't sitting on it. Nicola Sturgeon, the nationalist leader of the government, tweeted no less than 84 selfies in 11 days, smiling with all kinds of VIPS. I also know many entrepreneurs for whom the year, ruined by Corona, has been saved by the conference.

Now it's time for the climate. ♦

In addition, in a recent auction by Crown Estate Scotland, there were 17 winning bids, potentially adding 24 gigawatts (GW) to existing capacity. Shell, with partner ScottishPower, is involved in two potential projects that together account for 5 GW. That's the equivalent of clean energy for 6 million Scottish households, even though only 5.5 million people live in Scotland. So that could create quite a surplus. These are intended to be the largest floating wind farms in the world.

The auction raised a total of £700 million. Eddy Dekker: "It is shocking that the Scottish government has apparently not learned from the oil era. It now seems to be doing the same as it has been doing for years with the national politicians in Westminster. Concessions for oil were

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Ambassador André Driessen (left) and interviewer Hanno N. Ponder (right)

HANNO NICOLAAS PONDER FROM

Ambassador André Driessen:

"Brazil is internationally responsible for conservation Amazon."

Last year I had the opportunity to meet the new Dutch Ambassador André Driessen (19790025) at a reception in the residence of Roland Martin, the Dutch Consul General in Rio de Janeiro. André started his BBA studies at Nyenrode in 1979, while I graduated in that year. We missed each other at the time, but we soon exchanged memories of Nyenrode and Dr. E.B.J. Postma. As a result of this contact, the editors asked me to interview André on the topic of climate and energy in Brazil, my new home country. The interview took place on January 25, 2022. It turned out that our man in Rio was well prepared for his mission.

BY HANNO NICOLAAS PONDER - PHOTOS HNP EN NL. AMBASSADE

N

P: Brazil seems to be a "mixed bag" when it comes to environmental policy. For example, the country is the world's largest producer of bioenergy (ethanol, biodiesel and biogas), on the other hand, the Amazon Rainforest is continuously being reduced. As a Dutch diplomat, did André receive a climate agenda from The Hague?

AD: "Yes, in my diplomatic mission, climate and sustainability are important issues. We cannot push Brazil aside because we disagree with certain environmental issues. The country is a major player in ecosystems and part of both the problem and the solutions. It's a little harder to work these days with the

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mindset of the current Bolsonaro administration, but even in the days of previous presidents Lula and Dilma, these issues were sensitive. If you compare today's deforestation with the levels of 20 to 25 years ago, it is much lower. But in recent years, unfortunately, the figures have started to rise sharply again. In order to cooperate, we now often focus on regional players, at the state and municipal level, who do see the benefit of international cooperation. And the interest in this is so great that we have a choice of all kinds of projects."

HNP: After the turn of the century, things seemed to be moving in the right direction for the conservation of the rainforest, half of which is in Brazil. However, since 2018 when Bolsonaro took office, logging has only increased. Does Driessen see this as an international problem?

AD: "The Amazon is ours, according to Brazilians, and the area has a wealth of resources that are not being exploited now and can contribute to the development of the local population. On the other hand, the Amazon is one of the lungs of the world, so it's a discussion you do have to have with Brazil. Brazil, we believe, has a global responsibility to manage and conserve the Amazon. It's a big area of tension. In part, Brazil has to tackle and solve the problem itself, in part we can help, bilaterally, with Europe and through international organizations, with governments and with all kinds of private parties."

HNP: The Bolsonaro government recently cut the budget for environmental monitoring by 24%, while just before that it promised, during an Internet conference of US states (at the initiative of President Joe Biden), to totally eliminate illegal logging of the rainforest by 2030. How does that work diplomatically, did André get permission from The Hague to protest against this?

RIO DE JANEIRO AD: "Of course we speak out when there are signals that point to a trend that we find undesirable or that does not correspond to the agreements. We do this at various levels but especially at the European level, with 27 countries we have a strong voice. Together with other countries we support initiatives to combat illegal logging and mining and to stimulate sustainable production chains, such as the Amsterdam Declaration Partnership. From the other side, we talk to Brazilian companies that operate internationally. To continue doing business they need to invest in sustainability, they are very well aware of that.”

HNP: The Netherlands has started to import more food and live animals from Brazil. Is this in line with limiting global CO2 emissions?

AD: "The picture is nuanced. Brazil is a large producer of food products such as soy, meat, corn and sugar cane that lead to deforestation. The Netherlands is a trading country, not to mention a transit country. Globally, however, the growth in demand is mainly in Asia, especially China, where the population has started to consume more protein. We are proud of our status as the world's second largest agricultural producer, but we are also learning our lessons in the Netherlands. We feel a global responsibility in reducing CO2 emissions and solving global problems related to agriculture. We do a lot of certification in relation to deforestation and the origin of products. We need to develop that further.

The Netherlands is stimulating the so-called protein transition and we are working hard on that internationally. And NL is good at developing more efficient and productive food systems. Think of all the knowledge and innovation that Wageningen University & Research has."

AD: "We don't think this is structural. Because of the drought, the hydropower plants here have recently been able to produce less power and gas and oil-fired thermal power plants have been used. The higher oil production is mainly for export. We must not forget that Brazil produces electricity that is 80% renewable. Their climate challenge is not energy as in Europe, but mainly the preservation of the rainforest and making agriculture sustainable. There are millions of hectares of depleted farmland that are no longer being used and if we can find a way to bring them back into production and increase productivity, we reduce the pressure on the rainforest."

HNP: Brazil is the largest agricultural producer in the world, spearheaded by coffee, soy, sugar cane and livestock. To what extent does the ambassador support European initiatives to give small farmers a "fair share" in the food chain?

AD: "We certainly support projects aimed at improving the payment to these farmers and developing interesting niches in the market. But the question is whether small farmers gain much from this. After all, 1% of farmers produce 80% of these cash crops. The Netherlands sees more opportunities for small farmers in, for example,

Our 'man' in Rio on audience with Brazilian President Bolsonaro.

HNP: The rainforest has to make way mainly for the cultivation of soy, of which the Netherlands is again one of the largest importers.

What is Driessen's reaction to this point?

AD: "In Europe, the Netherlands is a major importer and we receive 2.5 to 3% of Brazilian soy. But consider that China buys no less than 60% of the Brazilian soy.

Soy remains an important crop, including for use in the feed for the Dutch livestock. The companies that import into the Netherlands all work with soy that is certified to be free of deforestation. Europe is now working on more far-reaching rules so that we will have deforestation-free standards for all products."

HNP: Does the Netherlands have an opinion on the rapidly increasing use of petroleum (+25%) in Brazil during the year before the corona pandemic broke out?

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PONDER VAN VERRE: HANNO NICOLAAS

RIO DE JANEIRO fruit and vegetables, where productivity is very low and 20 to 30% of products are lost in harvesting, storage or transport.

There is a lot that can be done about this. As the Netherlands, we can provide a great deal of knowledge, expertise and technology for this."

HNP: It is true that four US companies, namely ADM, Bunge, Cargill and LDC, are primarily responsible for the exploitation of the Amazon.

So is the Dutch ambassador also pointing out this dual role of the US in Washington?

AD: "The US is also part of the coalition of countries for sustainability. These companies are particularly active in the trade and distribution of these products. Again, we must not forget trade with China, the solution is not only in the West.

These companies do not grow crops themselves, but they do have policies to work on sustainability. It is almost impossible to do otherwise and investors demand it.Governments are constantly talking to companies to improve policies on sustainability."

HNP: Brazil is a leader when it comes to sustainable industry (40% of total production). What can we learn from the Brazilians?

AD: "Brazil has invested heavily in the production of ethanol from sugar cane for use as a fuel for cars since the first oil crisis in the 1970s. Almost all cars today are equipped with flexi engines that can switch from gasoline to ethanol. It has already been noted that 80% of the electricity generated is renewable due to the use of hydropower. Of the entire energy consumption, 40-50% is renewable, which is far more than Europe. So this is the result of decades of investment in renewable energy sources."

HNP: The Brazilian coastline has the potential to generate almost 700 GW of offshore wind power. That is 10 times the Dutch estimated production. Is there a golden opportunity here for the combination of Shell and Eneco to export the experiences from the North Sea?

AD: "In Brazil, a lot of wind energy is already generated onshore

14 | VAN VERRE 291

at various locations. Much of the Brazilian coast has favorable wind conditions and with this, better productivity could be achieved offshore.

More than 20 offshore wind farms are in preparation and will be developed over the next few years.

The Netherlands can certainly play an important role here, think of the dredging companies and large transport and tugboat operators.

We are also very strong in offshore in cranes, floating docks, specialists, technicians and materials.

In addition, with all that Brazilian wind energy you can also make green hydrogen, which is important for our own energy transition. We see great opportunities there. The Port of Rotterdam plays a big role here and has a huge infrastructure and network of pipelines, which lead to the rest of Europe and require big investments."

HNP : Last question regarding the Mercosul-EU trade treaty. This was announced with some fanfare in Brazil after the Bolsonaro government took office, but it was clear that the parliaments of the EU countries still had to approve it. So far, little progress has been made. What are the views on this and is it possible to see the treaty realized in the short term? Is the treaty positive for the Netherlands?

AD: "This is a treaty that has been negotiated for 20 years. The Brazilian economy is very closed with many import taxes and restrictions. From this point of view, it makes sense for Brazil that the treaty is approved by the European member states. Also, geopolitically it is positive for Brazil's relationship with Europe and the world. But times have changed and from Europe we want concerns about environment and sustainability to be included in the agreements. Negotiations are now underway on this and we hope that we can reach a renewed agreement. For the Netherlands there are many advantages, think of innovation, technology, transit, storage and distribution facilities, with which we can modernize our economic profile in Brazil.

There is still so much to do here for the Netherlands!

Never a dull moment, as E.B.J Postma would have said." ♦

ª

Successful PITCH WITH MICHIEL ROODENBURG

Crisp is the supermarket app for crisp, affordable food. It is a successful startup with a Nyenrodian schwung. The venture was launched in November 2018 by alumnus Michiel Roodenburg (20117432).

BY LISELOTTE VAN DEDEM-STAAL - PHOTO CRISP

M

R: "First I did economics at the VU, later I went to Nyenrode for the Register Controller course. For an economist, the holy grail is the financial sector and within the financial sector M&A seemed to be the one for me. However, after six months I noticed that this was not my cup of tea. The idea of one team, one mission; I missed that very much. I did like the complex environment: not knowing exactly how to solve things or what your day would look like. Ahold could offer me that and it touched on something I've had a great love for and strong opinions about ever since I was a child: food. I was already crazy about Italian cuisine! Delicious food and that all day long. After ten years I left Ahold. I wanted to create an environment that better matched how I am and what I thrive on; better food and the people I love. When you have three children, you notice that time has become an important factor. I wanted to do something more fun with that as an entrepreneur than what is already in the existing food apps."

What are the USPs? MR: "Our assortment is different, we encourage good food in an easy and refreshing way. Crisp tries to be distinctive with our concept by loading a taste experience, but also to be more transparent in what choices we make and why. We float between the online supermarket and Hello Fresh. We focus on a number of customer characteristics.

Customers are not going to buy extra from us, but rather stop shopping somewhere else."

Where do you want to go with the company?

MR: "Co-founders Tom Peeters, Eric Klaassen and I form a close and complementaryteam. We know each other from economics studies. In 2018, we raised the largest seed capital of the past 3 years in the Benelux during the first investment round. Our goal is to serve a large part of Europe; that we can offer local products to

consumers there from Crisp. Exciting? Yes, but it's a very nice goal.

First we want to establish a strong position in the Netherlands and once you have that, you can easily expand to other areas. We started with TV ads and from that you notice that you start to grow faster.

More customers means serving more border areas. Sometimes you have a situation where the dairy farmer can't provide the production needed to supply all the customers, then we can personalize your Crisp store to accommodate that. Data-driven, we can respond to the needs of the consumer."

What mistakes will you not make again?

MR: "I think it's important to keep the humanity within the company culture. You have to keep investing in that. Here you are praised if you take initiative and if you take responsibility to admit mistakes as well.

That's super powerful. We really try to give it a stage and set an example for others to follow. I am very much in favor of "focus on your own strengths, look at what is going well. Don't focus on making the five a six, but strive to make the eight a nine."

What is the added value of your Nyenrode education?

MR: "Register controller gives a technical baggage that is good to be a strong sparring partner within an organization. In the areas of culture, finance and sustainability, and certainly from a financial point of view, with such an education you come across as technically strong. You can take on an important role. Also think about the bond you have with your fellow peers, who are good peers who are always open to approach?"

How do you make use of the alumni network?

MR: "I participated in the Alumni Golf Event in 2021. There I met some people who can offer a complementary service and now I am in negotiations with an alumnus who can give us expertise in attracting talent. Alumni are involved and form a very close club that is willing to do something for each other. That is warm and useful. Furthermore, it's mainly about sparring and learning; how do you view this matter or this stage? Because these people have already come a bit further than the global warming cover, you know. That's nice, because only then can you learn from best practices."

What is your biggest challenge?

MR: "The biggest challenge in particular is making sure everyone stays in their strengths. Is the one team, one mission feeling still there?

There have been months when we grew more than 15% and we couldn't sit in the office. That disrupts the group feeling a bit, like: how can you get back into cadence? So making sure that all noses are in the same direction with the right feeling. That's the biggest challenge for Crisp to remain a success." ♦

"Nyenrode alumni are a bit beyond the global warming cover, you know!"

VAN VERRE 291| 15

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THEME

CLIMATE & ENERGY

The UN Climate Summit last year in Glasgow was an international success, as there was consensus on the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5%. In particular, drastically reducing the use of coal was a concrete step forward. Furthermore, the pressure to scale down oil and gas stepped up. There was also international awareness of the need to financially support developing countries in their energy transition.

The Climate & Energy theme is also a spearhead of The policies of Cabinet Rutte 4. Our dependence on Russian natural gas is painfully in question. Van Verre offers a selection of interviews with influential alumni in the field

*Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, president of Energie-Nederland. *Ir. Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Netherlands. * Richard Koen RA of concern Neste. * Ir. Drs. Machiel Hulsbergen, former top executive of Shell. * Ir.Drs. Ruben Dijkstra, Director Offshore Wind at Eneco. * NBU Professor of Sustainable Business & Stewardship Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof. * Dr. Drs. Ingeborg de Wolf of Wageningen University & Research.

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Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen 18 | VAN VERRE 291

Figurehead of the energy sector!

Former VVD Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (20085603) stepped out of politics to become one of our country's leading lobbyists. Since October 2021, she has been president of Energie-Nederland, an association of 70 members that produce, trade and supply energy. With a new coalition agreement, clear climate targets and challenging deadlines, she is determined to help all the parties involved push forward from her position. Van Verre talks to her about leadership, the energy transition, a thick skin and about Nyenrode Business University.

Y

BY JAN VINCENT MEERTENS - PHOTO HET PORTRET BUREAU

ou have been working at Energie-Nederland for a few months now. What exactly is your role?

CvN: "I am the figurehead of the association. I am the face and point of contact for our members but also to the outside world. I try to be a bridge to the rest of society. To the government, to politics and to other companies and sectors and knowledge institutions. Brussels is also very important to us.

I also hope to be able to go on more working visits soon.

I want to hear how things really work in practice."

The coalition agreement is ambitious. Also with regard to the climate targets. Realistic?

CvN: "The coalition agreement is realistic, certainly, we are happy with it, but it is short notice. I was shocked during my induction period by the pace at which we are all tackling the energy transition. It was a wake-up call for me. There is a lead time of six or seven years for projects, which is really far too long to achieve the climate targets. It's all hands on deck, for mobility, the built environment, industry. We've had the time of ambitions, now we have to actually do it."

You are pleased with the appointment of a Minister for Climate and Energy. What are you going to ask of "climate tramp" Rob Jetten?

CvN: "I hope he continues to press for that acceleration that we need. We have the plans, the ambitions, there is money and in that sense we are a few steps further on.

So yes, let's get on with it and let his colleagues at the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and Economic Affairs and Climate Change get on with it.

So I would very much urge him to speed up and, above all, take action. If you want to speed things up, you also have to reduce the complexity."

Energie-Nederland represents almost 90% of the market for producers, suppliers and traders of electricity, gas and heat.

What can you do in concrete terms?

CvN: "Especially by making the knowledge and expertise available to all the members and the association itself available to the ministries, to politicians, and also to Brussels. We work with the themes of energy transition, energy market and energy consumer. We have real expertise in these areas. That knowledge is available to enable us to make the right choices quickly. New legislation is on the way.

We are at the beginning of the hydrogen economy, there are still all kinds of things to be done for that. If we have good consultation beforehand, it can pass through the House of Representatives quickly. This is necessary because otherwise we simply won't make it. All our members are urging us to get on with it. Energie-Nederland is also responsible for security of supply, affordability and, of course, safety. Safety of the energy supply itself, safety for employees, but also increasingly digital safety. We look at the whole system from Energie-Nederland's point of view."

There are the procedures, the legislation, permits et cetera, but we also see that the infrastructure is insufficient to handle new energy.

CvN: "Yes, here you see the chicken and the egg. Industry wants to go green, but you have to be sure that the green energy will be available. Our electricity network is not yet equipped for electrification. So you have to know how you can use the energy. In some regions there are great initiatives, then there is a solar park, but then they cannot be connected. That is a huge brake. It is necessary to accelerate the strengthening of the electricity grid and to make it smarter. We are in constant dialogue with grid managers and other parties about this. Recently, in a coalition of 14 parties, we put forward a proposal for a joint approach to the biggest bottlenecks in the electricity grid: 'Faster to the grid.'"

Tensions in Eastern Europe have not only caused the price of gas to soar, but the availability of gas also appears to be under pressure.

Perhaps we have been a bit too hasty?

CvN: "No, I don't think so. The reason lies in the instability in Groningen. I think that choice is quite right. The

Netherlands have of course been spoiled by the use of natural gas from Groningen for a very long time. If you move away from that, then you also have to take into account that you have an alternative.

And we haven't managed to do that just yet. Especially in this transition period. I am now reading the book “Blackout” by Marc Elsberg, about our vulnerability due to dependence on energy and software, with disastrous consequences. It's fiction and we should keep it that way."

More parties are pushing for acceleration. Milieudefensie recently wrote to 29 companies, including members of Energie-Nederland. Is the threat of lawsuits necessary?

CvN: "It's part of how things are in society and it's good that groups are making themselves heard. Everyone has their own role and their own style. Some people prefer consultation, others confrontation. I myself am more in favor of the harmony model.

Together at the table and acting together."

There does not appear to be much harmony in the way consumers are approached to switch from one energy supplier to another.

The aggressive marketing produces irritation and confusion. Have market forces perhaps gone too far?

CvN: "It is good that consumers have a choice and that there are platforms that facilitate this. New entrants are also welcome, but we do want to protect society against providers who turn out not to be solvent, as is currently the case with the sharp increase in gas prices. Fortunately, we have it well regulated in the Netherlands so that no one is literally left out in the cold. But more stability is desirable. EnergieNederland helped to draw up a code of conduct for consumers and energy suppliers. This was further tightened up last year. You saw that there was too much brokering of energy contracts, which reduced transparency in the market. We improved that step by step with all members, but also the Consumers' Association and the ACM. The common interest is seen, though."

You are now, in a sense, stepping into the lee. In your time as minister, you had to deal with the dark side of social media more than ever.

CvN: "The dredge that was thrown at me was heavy. But as time goes by you also become more and more numb. You really have to have a very, very thick skin to survive all this.

I was glad that in my ministry I no longer had young children who would be talked to about it in the schoolyard or in the classroom. I've seen with younger colleagues that this makes it extra tough."

That thick skin also helped you when everyone had an opinion about your switch to EnergieNederland. Lack of sense of responsibility, entanglement of interests.

CvN: "I knew in advance that there is a no-contact order with your own ministry.

That makes sense to me, as well. I will obviously not show up at the Ministry of I&W for two years. I, and no one around me, including Mark Rutte, foresaw that I would be

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Drs. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen 20 | VAN VERRE 291

addressed by a journalist on the few days I observed at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change. A formality. It was 3 working days. Then followed many frames that took reality out of context, including in the Chamber. I could not recognize myself in them at all.

I was surprised by the vehemence. I have devoted myself 27 years to public affairs and then you read all this about yourself. Apparently I had to go through that as well. It was a surreal experience. And yes, fortunately I have developed a thick skin."

Do you have any regrets about being a minister?

CvN: "No. I've been able to do great things. I look back with great satisfaction on what I have been able to achieve. Together with all the social parties, I have drawn up a very nice action plan in the field of traffic safety and have received 500 million euros for it. People often say, she hasn't achieved anything in aviation because Lelystad Airport isn't open. But I am proud to have been able to turn around the blind growth of aviation to sustainable growth. Through a sustainable aviation table, initiatives for synthetic kerosene, the blending of bio kerosene and the stimulation of the international train as an alternative and complement to the plane. That policy is in the aviation memorandum, to which the opposition also had little to say."

Notable was the digital Climate Adaption Summit 2021 with Ban Ki Moon, Bill Gates, Angela Merkel and dozens of world leaders. The Netherlands was host country under your leadership.

CvN: "Yes it was the final piece of the Ministry of I&W's climate adaptation program. The summit launched a broad, concrete, Adaptation Action Agenda with the aim of ensuring that our world can better withstand the effects of climate change. Such a days-long consultation has global impact. It was very nice to be able to do that."

When you were a deputy, director, of the Province of Brabant you followed the Nyenrode Commissioning Cycle in 2008.

CvN: "That was very useful, also for politicians, because controlling the government has many parallels with what a commissioner in a supervisory or advisory board does. The program really goes in depth. I was one of about 40 people that year and I was the only one from the public sector. I found it interesting that there was a lot of prejudice about the public sector. Two years later, I did the same course at the TIAS-NIMBAS. There it was exactly the opposite, there were only a few people from the business sector. And there they were full of prejudices about the business world. I found it an eye-opener to approach the topic of governance from both perspectives."

Can a University like Nyenrode contribute more to the climate transition?

CvN: "Many students are already very involved in themes such as energy transition, biodiversity, inclusion. The university can provide sufficient cross-pollination. People are still too often stuck in a box. Greening is only about engineering, for example. Also look at behavioral sciences.

This is necessary for the social transition, for support. Too often, we are stuck with only techies or 'fineists.' That multidisciplinary perspective on a field would be an improvement. And for the students: girls and also boys of course, we also need you very much to meet the objectives.

There is plenty of work with our members, with the network operators, with the government and basically everywhere. Link your talent and your skills to a beautiful social goal like the energy transition."

You're taking a break now, but you've certainly lived under high stress as a minister.

How did you deal with that?

CvN: "I take inspiration from sports, such as martial arts. I believe in the kungfu principle: what you do, you should do as well as possible. That applies to all top sports, as I have also experienced my ministry. My husband (Bert Wijbenga, mayor of Vlaardingen ed.) and I sit in our box every home match of Feyenoord. And in Brabant they called me the delegate for cyclocross. I had no sport in my portfolio, but others were less interested and then I was allowed to go and watch cyclocross on behalf of the province. Always very nice. I met Marianne Vos a couple of times, a real top athlete. During the ministry there was little room to do sports myself but now I have a piece of life back." ♦

CEO TATA STEEL NETHERLANDS IR. HANS VAN DEN BERG MBA:

GREEN HYDROGEN IN IJMUIDEN

BY JAN VINCENT MEERTENS - PHOTOGRAPHY TATA STEEL

T

here are few companies in the Netherlands that have made the front pages as often as Tata Steel in recent months. The sale of the company to the Swedish SSAB came to nothing. Neighbors of the company began to stir and the black snow of early 2021 seemed the straw that broke the camel's back. 1100 neighbors filed charges against "the indomitable monster" for "deliberately causing harm to human and animal health.” Last month the Public Prosecutor decided to start a criminal investigation into the role of the managers. In September 2021, the RIVM published a study that found that in Wijk aan Zee, Beverwijk, Velsen and IJmuiden more metals and other substances were found in the dust that pose risks to public health than outside the IJmond region. A second report early this year indicated that higher concentrations were being measured than would be expected on the basis of environmental annual reports and emission records.

The papers point to Tata Steel.

Hans van den Berg (19980702) is CEO of Tata Steel Netherlands. Van Verre visits him to hear more about his plans and approach. Hans van den Berg receives me in his office. Informally dressed, friendly box, broad smile. In nothing a man to lead his company through the perfect storm. He became chairman of the Tata Steel Netherlands board on June 1, 2020, in which he was already sitting as operations director. He has been with the company since 1990, but 2021 will not be easy for him to forget. Hans van den Berg stands firm for his company and does not want to run away from all the problems: "we want to be a good neighbor.

We are not now." In any future scenario of Tata Steel, it is not only about the 9,000 jobs, not only about CO2, but also about reducing emissions and improving people's living environment. It just has to be clean.

State Secretary Heijnen of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) is currently answering questions in the House of Representatives. What is your expectation?

HvdB: "It is about the RIVM report of late January, part of which we do not understand. We would very much like to talk to the RIVM to find out what the difference is between what we report in terms of emissions and what the RIVM indicates. The discrepancies are so big, that's not possible at all. Something is going on there, but of course the press has already picked up on that.

We are completely left out of the commissioning and creation of the RIVM reports. We get the report when it is published and the media gets it 48 hours earlier.

I then get a journalist on the phone asking what is going on with the measurements. Of course I didn't know what was in the report so that's a very strange situation. The government and the RIVM want to avoid influence or the appearance of it.

VAN VERRE 291| 21

"WE WANT TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR. WE'RE NOT NOW." A legacy from the past, groups shouting that we are in on everything and pulling all the strings. Hence, a few years ago, those connections were cut. It's unfortunate, but understandable."

In September 2021, all kinds of things seemed to come together.

You guys turned the switch?

HvdB: "Yes, the technology development, the prospects of the availability of green hydrogen, public opinion, the Green Steel plan of the FNV where there was a lot of emphasis on our environmental performance. We are going to make steel on the basis of green hydrogen and want to do that without an interim phase in which we store CO2. It was a very important moment and also a step that takes courage."

You are already among the 10% cleanest steel producers in the world and a benchmark internationally. But it hasn't proven to be enough.

Graphite rain, mercury discharge, black snow. You are now taking measures that could have been taken earlier. Was it your intrinsic motivation, or have politics not been strict enough?

HvdB: "First of all, as a company, we have always focused on what is licensed to us. And, yes, it is one's own responsibility.

Before the graphite emissions, about which there was a lot of discussion two years ago, we had a lot of good contact with the village council. We were already getting as many as a thousand complaints a year. The realization should have taken place sooner. The major improvement program of 300 million euros, the Roadmap Plus, which we now have, contains measures above and beyond the statutory requirements, with which we will significantly reduce emissions in the next two years. We are going to see the biggest effects in the short term when we build the filter at the pellet plant where iron ore is preprocessed into pellets."

You allow yourself to be vulnerable in communicating to the outside world.

HvdB: "We have a story to tell. We've been brooding on that for quite a while. With our Roadmap Plus, our now independent business, all the reports that have come out. It's moved into a huge gear. That's why I told Nieuwsuur twice last year. The changes also call for visibility and daring to say you didn't do it right, that you did it too late. That suits me and I certainly don't mind speaking to critical media."

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You live in Beverwijk and are also a neighbor of Tata Steel.

Do people talk to you a lot about it at the club or on the street?

HvB: "Let me say first of all that I have never experienced anything nasty, although it is going on very fiercely on social media right now. Of course, a lot of employees live in the neighbourhood. They are very happy that we have embarked on this green route and have set a dot on the horizon. That we are fighting for the company and are visible. When I'm in the supermarket I always come across a few colleagues who give me a boost. I experience more positivity than negativity. But there are many concerned residents. Certainly. In 2019 I was in the Moriaan, a large sports hall in Wijk aan Zee, where we had organized a large meeting. At that time, the first RIVM report was also just out that the dust is not healthy for young children.

I was approached by many concerned mothers. Can my children play outside here? Do we have to move? What are you doing about it as a company? I also hear: we know people with cancer and it's because of you. It is very complicated to determine exactly what the effects on health are. We also see the GGD and the RIVM struggling with this. Of course, there are a lot of other factors that play a role as well. But we really take the health concerns seriously and act; we spend a lot of money to significantly reduce our company's impact on the environment and I spend a lot of my time working on it."

You are in dire need of politics. What do you expect from the ministers for Climate and Energy and for I&W? HvB: "There are two paths. One path is what we have in Roadmap Plus. This has to be done as soon as possible. By 2023 it will be largely finished and we should see the effects. We can do much of that ourselves, we are doing it. But permits, with objection procedures and environmental impact reports is in the thread of the implementation. Those procedures, both the provincial permit and the State coordination arrangements for energy projects with national interest, must be completed much faster. If that works out then our environmental performance can improve. There is also the path of greening. That also needs to happen quickly, but is going to take longer.

We need to have made the big steps in that by 2030. However, we cannot do that alone. The coalition agreement holds out the prospect of customization to companies like ours. We need subsidies, an infrastructure we can rely on and a level playing field. China plays a major role in this, if you look at what has been built there in the last fifteen years! The capacity in the world has more than doubled and that extra capacity of over a billion tons is all in China. And there are no CO2 taxes there.

They are fairly modern factories, we should not underestimate that. We need help in particular, because in Europe we want to go green at a very fast pace and build up the hydrogen economy.

We also want to lead the way in the Netherlands in this regard, but ultimately we have to be able to recoup the transition through income from the market. And that is only possible in a level playing field."

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the closure of two factories. The Cooking and Gas Plant 2 and a blast furnace.

HvB: "That's in the greening process. We decided in September that we are really moving to a different technology that will use hydrogen through natural gas. We can play a big role in the hydrogen economy because we will be a very big buyer in that."

So that means you can be a big driver of the energy transition.

HvB: "Yes, that's why organizations such as Friends of the Earth and Urgenda are very interested in this, because you need large buyers of green hydrogen and we can be the launching customer, enabling you to connect heating, transport and so on. They know our plans and we are in contact with them. These organizations also know that we need steel. There are no wooden windmills, our entire society is built on steel. Only: it can't go fast enough for them. What are the obstacles, how can it be accelerated, what can we do? One certainly doesn't just stand along the sidelines shouting something."

You've worked on the operations side for almost thirty years.

Don't you miss the factory?

HvdB: "I can just get in the car and

drive to all the factories. That's what I do. We now also visit our downstream operations a bit more intensively. We have the big hub in IJmuiden, but also the processing companies like the tube factory in Oosterhout where I visited yesterday. And we have profile makers, service centers and electroplating companies in France, Germany, Spain and Turkey, among others."

A lot has changed for you in the past year. Was it your ambition to become executive chairman?

HvB: "I actually kind of grew into it. Responsible for the whole operation, safety, health, environment of the IJmuiden operation. And it was in that role that I came to the management of TSN. Since the demerger of British Steel, we have a real board of directors and our own supervisory board and we are directly accountable to our shareholders in India. A big change, yes. My ambition? I am ambitious, want to do well and don't run away from my responsibilities. But actually I am surprised that I have progressed this far, if I am completely honest. After all, from a physicist, I have become an all-round manager."

You've worked with the British for years. What are the lessons learned, are the British and Dutch not the obvious partners who can easily find each other?

HvdB: "You could write a book about that. If you look back now, all in all it was not a happy marriage. You notice that in all layers of the organization. Of course it was also a special challenge to join forces with a complex company like British Steel, which once employed 250,000 people, and turn it into a single company. But let's not look back too much and focus on the future, now that we are independent as of October 1, 2021.

I note that the cooperation is working fine now, we are, after all, still 1 company."

Now you are working directly with the Indians. What are your experiences so far?

HvdB: "In 2007 we were taken over by Tata Steel. We are already used to each other. It is a great advantage that we now have a direct line. The chairman of our SB is the CEO of Tata Steel Ltd, T.V. Narendran. It works decisively. As chairman of the SB you are responsible for the company. Whether the company is for sale you never know, of course, but we are no longer in the shop window. And if you put the top man of the company on the supervisory board of our company here, then they are committed. But of course we are also a serious, profitable piece of Tata Steel. They are very well informed. We're in contact about weekly. That's quite a lot with a shareholder, but there are big changes coming. And the image of Tata is very important.

Tata is very well known in India and also has a reputation to uphold in Europe in various sectors. Think of Tata Consultancy

VAN VERRE 291| 23

CEO TATA STEEL NETHERLANDS IR. HANS VAN DEN BERG MBA Services, Jaguar Land Rover, Taj Hotels, Zara. A huge, profitable company. It is known as an ethical company that allows profits from the company to flow back into society.

The company is there for society. And that's how we feel here. One is following very closely the decarbonization, the big energy transition that we are going through here but also in India. I have every confidence in the company's backing for TSN. The image of Tata Steel has been written down quite negatively, but I don't see it that way. People are in it for the long haul. A lot of money has gone to Europe, to the UK of course, but never the other way around."

In the press, it is suggested that there is skimming and that you do not pay corporate taxes.

HvdB: "Of course, that is not true at all. The suggestion was that 20 billion would have been siphoned off. If that much money had been made...nonsense! We had extensive discussions with the newspaper that published it, showed them audit reports, and filed tax returns. But it keeps coming back with that 20 billion. We earn around 300 million per year. Tata Steel Netherlands is part of a holding company that also includes Tata Steel UK, which has offsettable losses. But we as TSN are therefore paying taxes to that holding company."

The utmost is being asked of your leadership right now.

The president of the COR calls you a manager of integrity.

It is granted to you. What is your leadership style?

HvdB: "I try to choose a positive approach and to involve and appreciate people from there. That gives me energy.

I see that around me. Also on the Friday that the second RIVM report came out. We know it's coming. We have our specialists, our communication people, we have the legal department, public affairs and I have to go in front of the cameras. Then you see how we all work together. Then everyone is at their best. I like that. I don't have to stand there and say, you have to do this, you have to do that, and that comma there. I think a lot of people like working for me. I'm deep in it. I stand for the company and the people in the company. I have a good relationship with the works council and the unions. You can't achieve anything here in IJmuiden if you don't have the staff behind you.

Then you have no chance, that's what I've learned.

And I appreciate that too. And then I, too, sometimes make the mistake of not informing them quickly enough.

Here in North Holland they don't mince their words.

You have to be given the leadership."

24 | VAN VERRE 291

You got your PhD in physics in 1989 and ten years later you did the Executive MBA at Nyenrode. A useful foundation for weathering this management storm?

HvdB: "I was a technologist and lacked general management knowledge; the studies used to be much more one-sided. I really enjoyed those one and a half years at Nyenrode, with that semester in America. I was a sponge sucking up knowledge. It has also started to help me more and more I notice. Now everything comes together with what I learned at Nyenrode, it really helped me a lot. I am a perfectionist and could live with the enormous time pressure. That is also the case now. We have limited time and must quickly grasp things."

How do you relax?

HvdB: "Well... Nowadays you're always on, online.

I do notice that and I always get push notifications when there is something. I see things all the time. I don't watch too much television, I think. All those talk shows... Then I see other CEOs and think, what would I think of them?

What is happening now with The Voice. Then it starts to grind in my mind. How does that actually work here? I do have an image of it, we are an insufficiently diverse and inclusive company. We are working on that, but are we doing enough? Your task as CEO is a very important one. How is social safety perceived in the workplace?

By women, migrants, people of color? Surveys show that we really have work to do. I find it hard to really cut loose.

I try to meditate with Headspace. And I have a boat that is at the NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam. We don't sail it enough but it's also nice to be on it. To mess around a bit, do some odd jobs. Doing technical work. At home I do some sport, but not enough. I don't feel that I have a good balance. And I have to work on that, it's important to keep it up. To be clear and look at things from a distance. If you're always in it deep then you don't see it anymore."

The conversation has come to an end. Meanwhile, in The Hague, State Secretary Heijnen promised the Lower House that she will hold Tata Steel to 'its promise to halve emissions of certain carcinogenic substances (PAHs) by the end of this year'. I say goodbye and walk away, thinking: 'the right person, at the right time, for all stakeholders.' ♦

RICHARD KOEN, FINANCE PARTNER NESTE:

Dieselen on frying fat Richard Koen (RA/RC) is senior finance business partner at Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel and sustainable jet fuel. The pure, renewable fuel has a similar chemical composition and just as high performance as regular diesel, but is fossil free and delivers up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions. Richard provides insight into the world of 'green' fuel.

BY JAN VINCENT MEERTENS PHOTO PRIVATELY OWNED RICHARD KOEN

N

este was founded in 1948 and listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in 1995.The company produces renewable fuels based on waste and residues such as used frying fat and animal waste fats.One example is Neste MY Renewable Diesel, which is suitable for all diesel feed vehicles and engines. For Richard Koen, it was not obvious that he would end up in this business. RK: "I started in 1998 as an accountant, 12 years at two of the big 5 then as head of audit at PepsiCo Netherlands and then Heineken in the Netherlands and Switzerland. With my move into finance I got closer to the business. My first non-audit job was as finance director for Heineken in Belarus and later I became head of reporting and accounting for Nigerian Breweries Plc, listed in Nigeria. It was a nice job that was a mix of the head office role, which at Heineken is mainly in Amsterdam, focusing on stock exchange activities and annual accounts, and at the same time I was close to the beer production. That's what I like best, being close to the operation. And now back in the Netherlands, and since Fall 2021 at Neste."

Close to the refinery?

RK: "I work for the head office but my workplace is on the Maasvlakte, at the refinery. With 5,000 employees worldwide, Neste is smaller than Heineken. But that does mean that I am now closer to the

international operation. And because the organization is smaller, the lines of communication are also shorter. I am responsible for the business partnering (controlling) at Neste's Renewables Platform, in other words the production organization.

We have three refineries: in Rotterdam, Finland and in Singapore. The latter is currently being expanded. We are also working on expanding our production capacities in Rotterdam. The locations have relatively small teams with whom I look back at the financial results of the past month and what the prospects are for the short and longer term. At Nyenrode I got a broader view of accounting and finance. The training there has helped me to develop a solid backbone that I can put to good use in the interaction between the various departments in the company. But entrepreneurship and thinking, along with others, is something you learn in practice, from 'it's not allowed' to 'is this an alternative?'"

What attracted you to Neste?

RK: "To help make the world a little cleaner.

I became much more aware of that in Nigeria.

I had a sailboat there, together with the neighbor, and when we went down the river, there was garbage and plastic everywhere.

People would just throw bottles out the window of the car. The painting that hangs here behind me keeps bringing that to mind: all those people, that traffic, the mess. After a training day, back in the Netherlands, I once had to write a letter to our children, as if it were ten years later and your child asks, "What have you done in the past 10 years to improve my living environment? That day and actually before, in Nigeria, the will to contribute to a better climate was born.

Neste is in the business of combating climate change and promoting the circular economy by converting waste into renewable fuel.

And that really appeals to me."

What would you like to discuss with the Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten?

RK: "We need stability, clear objectives

and clear long-term policies. You build a refinery for the long term with substantial investments. So I do want to talk to Jetten about: how do we achieve acceleration, stability together and also make maximum use of the solutions we already have?"

How do you procure the raw materials?

RK: "We purchase our raw materials worldwide. Sometimes in large quantities and sometimes in small bits collected from restaurants and other users. The market is very sensitive to the price. but the expectation is that there are more than enough raw materials available to significantly increase the use of renewable fuels."

The European Commission states that electrification for European freight transport is still a long way off: by 2030, 9 out of 10 trucks will still be running on diesel. Do you offer the solution?

RK: "Yes. By using renewable diesel, transport companies can effectively reduce their emissions right now. The CO2 emissions when using it are equal to zero. We produce on the basis of almost all types of vegetable oils and animal waste fats, so without adding one drop of petroleum. Our renewable fuel can therefore reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of diesel vehicles by up to 90% during its life cycle compared to fossil diesel.

Because it does release additional CO2 during production and transportation, the gain is not quite 100%. But reducing emissions by up to 90% gets us a long way. And we continue to work to increase that further. We were able to read that Heineken is transporting more by water. That saves many road kilometers and reduces traffic congestion, with beneficial effects on CO2 emissions. But road transport cannot be avoided; I would like to point out to all major transporters that you can apply the use of renewable diesel immediately. It is a simple and convenient 'drop-in' solution for all diesel engines and also requires no modifications to the vehicles. No new infrastructure is required to use this fuel because more than 111,000 filling stations in Europe can offer it today." ♦

VAN VERRE 291| 25

INTERVIEW WITH MACHIEL HULSBERGEN

26 | VAN VERRE 291

Energy expert Machiel Hulsbergen:

"Merkel was wrong with closing nuclear power plants and importing Russian gas."

These days, anyone who doesn't have an opinion on climate is not considered full.

The rhetoric on social media and in talk shows is overwhelming. A conversation with Ir. Drs. Machiel Hulsbergen (19940930) is therefore enlightening.

This alumnus has a realistic view on the international climate and energy agenda.

After nearly a quarter of a century at Shell, he can step back enough to list the climate opportunities and threats. In forty questions around the world!

BY OELE STEENKS - PHOTOGRAPHY MACHIEL HULSBERGEN/SHELL

M

achiel Hulsbergen: "I studied chemical engineering at the University of Twente with Nyenrode IDP as my main study. I started at Shell in a technical position. As a process engineer and project engineer, I worked on oil and gas platforms, including in the North Sea. At some point Shell found it interesting to use business engineers in a different way.

I then more or less accidentally moved into the commercial side, first as a project economist. Then I climbed up the management hierarchy and managed departments and operating companies from an economic and commercial perspective. Then I managed a new business development department at the head office in The Hague. I worked for Shell for a total of 24 years, 17 of which were spent abroad. I have been away from Shell for a year and a half now, doing a number of small assignments and the necessary

volunteer work. I honestly needed to recover for a while after all those years abroad. It is likely that I will soon have the sense and energy to take up a new structural activity."

Question 1) Oil reserves are not distributed among the world's economic power blocs. The top ten oil states clearly show this. We are talking about countries like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Is it really attractive for these states to participate in a better climate?

MH: "It is indeed quite unevenly distributed with oil production and reserves. A country like Venezuela is not likely to give up its natural resources. Rather, the climate interest will have to come through the demand for fossil fuels, which will shift and decrease over time. If you look at it macro-economically, the prices of oil and gas will start to fall over time."

VAN VERRE 291| 27

Question 2) Can you imagine countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela receiving compensation for that declining demand?

MH: "I can hardly imagine that. If we look back a little further in time, we have seen that all over the world large reserves of coal have remained in the ground. In England, for example, but also in Limburg. And just as well. There have been no economic compensations for this, and certainly not from abroad. I think that Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, which are very richly endowed with oil reserves, are not going to use it all up. On the other hand, I do think that those countries can continue to produce fossil fuel the longest, because the operating costs are the lowest there."

Question 3) What are countries with high operating costs?

MH: "Extracting oil from tar sands in Canada is very expensive, relatively speaking, and so is oil extraction in deep oceans and arctic regions. In general, the further away and more difficult the conditions, the more expensive. In contrast, the Middle East states up to and including Qatar remain attractive. Theoretically, this also applies to Iraq and Iran. There is very cheap oil in the ground there."

Question 4) The People's Republic of China is a major consumer of Middle Eastern oil. Will the Chinese ultimately determine the future of the traditional oil states?

MH: "China's economy still runs largely on coal-based energy.

The only wry advantage of coal is that its own, local population will soon be affected. China itself has already converted a large number of coal-fired power stations to gas. That in itself is more expensive, but cleaner in terms of local air pollution and also CO2 emissions.

You can say what you want about China, but the People's Republic does have environmental standards, which may lag behind Western Europe, but the Chinese themselves also prefer to live in cleaner air.

For them, fossil fuels from the Middle East are a cleaner and necessary intermediate solution, especially natural gas."

Question 5) Meanwhile, has it become apparent that coal consumption in China has reached a peak?

MH: "That will certainly have to do with the country's school size and its own development toward an industrial society. And let's not forget that China needs a huge number of cheap jobs, for example in mining, to keep society functioning and to prevent social unrest. The Chinese have also clearly indicated at the Glasgow Climate Agreement to take longer on the energy transition. The year 2060 has been mentioned by the Chinese delegation for switching off coal-fired power stations. It may of course be that it is a first negotiation step."

Shell has EU's largest oil refinery in Botlek

28 | VAN VERRE 291

Question 6) To what extent is the Chinese CO2 problem reaching Europe?

MH: "That impact is really enormous. But there is no way around the fact that different countries will follow different scenarios based on their current economy, energy resources and climate state. This is also happening in the European Union. We in the Netherlands are closing relatively clean coal plants, while in Poland, heavily polluting plants continue to run on coal. By the way, Germany is still using lignite on a large scale, which is heavily polluting."

Question 7) Can the greening process be accelerated?

MH: "For that, we in Europe will really have to get serious about the climate agreement. Then you can make a fist towards China by starting to apply import levies. If we start applying equivalent CO2 levies at the European borders, this will definitely have an impact on China. But those levies will also make Chinese products more expensive for European consumers."

Question 8) Has climate become a political weapon?

MH: "Absolutely. We're going to see more examples of that."

Question 9) For Russia, the only thing that is really left is natural gas as an economic weapon, since we don't buy many Russian products?

MH: "Russia has huge reserves of natural gas. What the Russians have done very well in recent decades is build the system of pipe connections with Europe. With that, Russia has been doing energy politics for many years, whether we want it or not. Whether it is really a means of pressure depends enormously on the behavior of the importing countries. I think Germany is a bad example in this respect. The Germans took the decision in 2016 to accelerate their exit from nuclear power. I had great respect for Merkel as Chancellor, but I think this was a geopolitical error of judgment on her part. Who was cheering that decision? They were The Greens in Germany and Putin quietly in The Kremlin. And what happened? Lignite production in Germany went up rapidly and imports of Russian natural gas soared. The new German coalition wants to green the country even faster, with coal-fired power plants to be shut down. The dependence on Russia, which the Germans themselves have created, will only increase. We have just seen what this situation is doing to gas and electricity tariffs, while revenues for Gazprom have never been higher! The Netherlands is also importing quite a bit of Russian gas now, so we are also contributing to this."

Question 10) Does the age-old competition with France, which runs largely on nuclear power, play a role?

MH: "Yes, indeed. It will be exciting to see to what extent Brussels will label nuclear energy and natural gas as clean energy sources. I fear that Frans Timmermans' appointment as European Commissioner for Energy Transition is not the right one. He has started thinking about energy a little too idealistically and has lost sight of many pragmatic aspects" Question 11) What alternative does the Netherlands have to the natural gas problem?

MH: "It is clear that with a pipeline system you are condemned to each other. With the import of liquefied gas LNG, you as a country are able to operate more independently in the energy market. So we have seen that in December 2021 a lot of American liquefied gas has come to the Netherlands.

By the way, that also means that a fair percentage of shale gas is imported; a by-product of the extraction of the shale oil that is exploited in the US. Everyone who is now cooking on gas in the Netherlands is burning some shale gas. While a few years ago we decided to ban shale activities in the Netherlands. But in the meantime we do import it, and the earth as a whole is worse off.

There are more examples of this. We all have cell phones with metal from the Congo. We buy solar panels en masse, mostly made in China, with all kinds of questionable labor camps for Uyghurs."

Question 12) Isn't it tragic that a historically important country like Iran cannot now use its rich oil reserves?

MH: "It's no secret that Shell tried to get a liquefied natural gas project off the ground in Iran, but it floundered on international sanctions against the country because of the nuclear energy issue there. A shame, because Iran could be a major exporter of LNG, but now even it has to import gas. If the regime there changes and becomes friendly to the West, then LNG exploitation can certainly be realized. But then we are talking about at least 15 years away."

Question 13) Does shale gas inhibit the achievement of the climate agreement?

MH: "But not that much different than natural gas from Russia or LNG from other parts of the world. Gas is gas. Moreover, replacing coal with natural gas is a relatively big improvement in terms of CO2 emissions. Natural gas is a very important transition energy source for the coming decades."

Question 14) But shale gas is seen as a lifesaver for the U.S. economy, while it is polluting due to released methane!

MH: "Methane is released during all oil and gas production, but the methane content is indeed higher in shale oil and shale gas.

This is partly due to the fact that you need to drill more wells to extract shale oil. In states like Texas and Colorado there is much more space to do this. In addition, there has been a technological breakthrough to make the extraction of shale oil cheaper. That has made America quite self-sufficient in oil production. The shale gas Americans got for free."

Question 15) Does the exploitation of tar sands oil contrast with Canada's clean image?

MH: "In part, that is true. Tar sands oil extraction is the most polluting way to get oil. It's actually a form of open pit mining.

You have to scrape the surface and use chemicals to wash the oil out of the sand. It's a polluting process, but you can't blame Canadians for wanting to use their resources. In comparison, Germany is seen as a stable and green country, while it has been excavating huge areas for lignite production for decades."

Question 16) Is lignite mining in Germany the proverbial elephant in the EU room?

MH: "I think so, at least one of the elephants.For lignite mining, whole villages have also been evacuated in Germany."

Question 17) The most important achievement of the climate agreement comes from behavioral change. Or is this too simple a conclusion?

MH: "Too simple? No, I don't believe so. In the end, the biggest steps will have to come from there. I think everyone in Europe is doing their very best to become greener, but we keep coming up against the discussion about where exactly this should be done.

Take onshore wind energy, for example: it's pretty clean energy,

China itself already has a considerable number of coal-fired power plants converted to gas. but it also pollutes the horizon and I wouldn't want to be within earshot of a windmill like that. I understand that offshore wind energy takes away those disadvantages, but it will be quite a task to make international progress with it. Take the electric car. In Europe, at least, a network of charging stations will have to be set up. We have to do that from an outdated electricity network.

That will need a hefty investment run. When it comes to adjustments by industry in the area of energy consumption and climate-neutral production, the general public has developed the idea that you can demand this without consequences. Of course, this is not the case. Industries have a revenue model and if costs are structurally higher, they will pass this on in their end products.

And if consumers shift their purchasing behavior to countries that do not have such structural cost increases, we as a European community will continue to contribute to the international climate problem. Higher costs in the energy system will end up with the consumer anyway."

Question 18) Does this make the Glasgow Climate Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030 a pipe dream?

MH: "Many climate goals are geared to the year 2030 or 2050, as if that were some kind of end date. For strategists it is normal to think in time frames, but the general public still experiences this as far away. It is pointless for a political party, or an NGO, to threaten in the sense that if we don't make it, the world will end.

If the public can see the energy transition as a gradual process rolled out over the next few decades, then it is certainly promising, but I do not believe in a forced approach. The point is for the general public to get used to the price increases that will be inevitable. A government needs to build in enough creative tension with a climate agenda, but not set ridiculous targets.

At the moment, the coalition agreement in the Netherlands seems to be pretty idealistically framed. The target of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions will no doubt be intended as a guideline, although this is not said out loud."

Question 19) Is it the case that the price of oil determines the intensity with which climate targets are pursued after all?

MH: "What we've seen is that when fossil fuels are phased out nationally, there can be big price fluctuations. We experienced it here, but the price increases in the UK were even more shocking.

There, the weather conditions were unfavorable for generating offshore wind power. It was just too windy over a long period of time. In the Netherlands, the decision was made to compensate consumers for price fluctuations through a partial refund of the energy tax. One might wonder whether it is the government's job to continuously protect citizens from the price consequences of the energy transition. At the end of the day, that's pocket-to-bin.

Furthermore, we will really have to look at other energy sources, such as gas-fired power plants and nuclear power. We need those sources to balance things out a little bit financially."

VAN VERRE 291| 29

Shell climate neutral in 2050? Revolutionary!

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Question 20) Boris Johnson is patting himself on the back for allowing the UK to make the move to offshore wind so quickly. Is this justified?

MH: "Let's not forget that the UK has been enormously lucky in terms of energy. When the country had to get rid of coal-fired power plants in the industrial cities in the 1970s, a huge supply of oil and gas was tapped off the coast of Scotland. They were able to take advantage of that for decades. At the time when it was necessary to develop an alternative to that fossil fuel, it turned out that the UK could build huge wind farms in the territorial waters of the North Sea, for example on the side of the Dogger Bank, because the sea is relatively shallow and the bottom reasonably stable. The British have been lucky, but don't blame them for taking advantage of it en masse. It will be a challenge for the UK to cope with windless periods, by storing energy and using it, for example, to produce hydrogen or to charge large batteries."

Question 21) The Netherlands has now written nuclear power back into the coalition agreement. Can't we do without nuclear power?

MH: "Nuclear energy has also become such a wonderfully polarizing topic of discussion. If you vote leftist then you are almost by definition against nuclear energy, if you vote conservative then you are for nuclear energy. I think we need to start thinking about this a lot more practically, and not so dogmatically. Of course, the problems of nuclear waste still haven't gone away, so we have to think about that sensibly. At the same time, the technology of nuclear power has advanced a lot since the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. You also have to look at nuclear energy in terms of energy independence and energy security. I think it's very wise that the Dutch government is now seriously studying nuclear energy and decides not to be as cowardly as parties who are now suddenly calling: leave it to the market. Let's not forget how many billions of euros in subsidies have gone to large-scale wind farms and solar parks in recent years. Now these can support themselves somewhat independently, but this has not happened without a struggle. So, if we as humanity want to broaden our energy palette, I think nuclear power could fit right in."

Question 22) The KNMI predicts that if adequate measures are not taken, the North Sea mirror may rise by one and a half meters by the end of this century. How do you view that?

MH: "Of course this is not good, but on the other hand the Netherlands has very good hydraulic engineers and we have a relatively short coastline. I think these are good ingredients to cope with a one-and-a-half meter rise in seventy years' time. Many more countries will be seriously affected by sea level rise. You can look, for example, at the gross national product per kilometer of coastline. On that scale, the Netherlands is closer to Switzerland than, say, Bangladesh."

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Question 23) Shell has moved its headquarters to London and now operates with a single type of shares. Does this contribute to the climate transition?

MH: "Not in itself. It helps to raise capital from the market more easily, to make large investments and to buy back shares respectively to maintain dividend payouts. And it will certainly help to make decisions faster."

Question 24) At the same time, Shell has announced its intention to be climate neutral by 2050. Is that achievable?

MH: "It is comparable to the climate goals set in Glasgow and at other climate summits: it sounds safe and far away. In that sense, it is easy for a current CEO to set such a goal, but it will have to be translated into manageable milestones by the business units.

I don't know how exactly this will go, but to achieve this overall goal in thirty years will be a gigantic challenge."

Question 25) Is it revolutionary?

MH: "Nothing could be further from the truth. It will mean a huge shift from fossil to renewable. Much more electricity and much more offsetting possibilities, which means capturing and storing CO2. In addition, Shell will become active in so-called 'nature-based solutions.' For example, by investing in forestry and the cultivation of algae. Furthermore, Shell will focus more on the trade in clean energy and on CO2 offsetting certificates. I think the general public still underestimates how much money this will involve. By its very nature, Shell has a business culture based on trading in oil and gas. That requires a certain amount of experience and knowledge. I think the company will certainly want to use those aspects in green energy trading."

Question 26) Does it help that Shell operates in 140 countries?

MH: "This is particularly true of the downstream activities, i.e. trading in gasoline, gas and diesel oil. When it comes to the exploration branch, we're talking about 20 to 25 countries.

That's a much smaller group of countries."

Question 27) What impact does the ruling of the Dutch court forcing Shell to reduce CO2 by 45% by 2030 have?

MH: "The move of the headquarters to London is not related to that statement. Shell has also confirmed this on its website.

Unfortunately, Shell has also become a polarizing factor in the social discussion, especially in the Netherlands. The Dutch left, and Shell haters in general loved the verdict in favor of Milieudefensie. That's a shame, of course. But perhaps there are two issues one could raise with the verdict. First, a matter of principle; many people agree that the judge in this case pretty much sat in the seat of politics. This is what both legal experts and supporters and opponents of the verdict itself say.

Proponents of the verdict say in reply: yes, that may be so, but it was necessary because politics left quite a gap. Even if this were really the case, you have to wonder whether you should want a judge to take such a position. Look around us, for example at Poland and Hungary. There the judiciary has now been given a very firm political seat. Brussels thinks something of it and within the EU the Netherlands shouts the loudest that things are going completely wrong in Poland and Hungary. But in our own country we applaud this development. I would say: 'Be careful what you

wish for.' In any case, I find it pretty hypocritical. Suppose that tomorrow the judge would forbid Friends-of-the-Earth or Extinction Rebellion, because they might have terrorist motives, then you should see what happens in the Netherlands!

Then there's the substantive side of the ruling; so that's about 45% reduction of CO2 emissions compared to the year 2019.

It's about scope 1, 2 and 3. Scope 1 is the emissions that are released from your own production, simply put, that which comes out of your own chimney. Scope 2 revolves around the CO2 emissions from industry that purchases your electric power, in this case from Shell, and blows it down your chimney as CO2. So far it sounds pretty logical. Scope 3, however, revolves around what CO2 is emitted by customers using your products. So I fill up with Shell gasoline at the pump and my driving releases CO2. Who is responsible for that? In this case the judge says: that's Shell's responsibility.

Now suppose we are talking about a sugar producer who has its headquarters in the Netherlands and grows and buys sugar internationally. That sugar producer supplies a large number of food producers in the Netherlands and abroad. The consumption of all these end products releases CO2; is that sugar producer then responsible for the environmental pollution caused by the consumer? While the Suikerunie, a competitor, is allowed to continue. In other words, such a judgment by a Dutch court must be enforceable, and must preserve legal equality. Another example: suppose that within the EU the pressure on Poland becomes effective and that it is agreed that, in exchange for normal behavior, the country will receive help in converting coal plants to natural gas. Shell could make a huge contribution to this by bringing liquefied gas into the country through the port of Gdansk. Now Shell should say it makes an enormous contribution to a cleaner climate, but sorry we can't do anything, because we're stuck with that court ruling. I find that bizarre!"

Question 28) Do you think Shell is always going to push the boundaries to operate within the court ruling?

MH: "They will have to. With regard to scope 3, they have a best-effort obligation; it is not a law. However, the burden of proof now lies with Shell. They will have to show that they have made the necessary effort. At the same time, of course, there will be another appeal."

Question 29) Isn't it true that Shell will soon be more strongly driven by the London and New York stock exchanges, and that Anglo-Saxon views of cleaner operations, will come to dominate?

MH: "I think that American companies are also starting to focus more on international environmental agreements.

So the extent to which Shell could deviate from the European standard will be less in the future."

Question 31) Has the acquisition of UK BG (gas production) in 2017 been an important strategic move in this context?

MH: "It's no secret that Shell has been looking at that acquisition for decades. I, myself, worked in the new business department and every year BG came along as a potential 'merger & acquisition target.' In terms of the valuation of BG, at one point we even went through it twice a year. In 2016 the circumstances came together: Shell had the money and BG was valued low, so the stars were aligned favorably. In the process, BG was seen by the entire oil and gas industry as a "natural fit" for Shell. Shell was already the world leader in liquefied natural gas, as the company had been betting hard on it. The acquisition of BG further strengthened that leadership position.

Shell believes very strongly in natural gas as a transition to the use of hydrogen and other renewable sources. It is realistic to assume that this transition will take decades."

Question 32) Is there sufficient transport capacity available to distribute LNG around the world?

MH: "That's not a problem. It's a matter of adding LNG tankers.

The advantage is that you can work with LNG in smaller quantities. Even islands like Aruba, Malta or Cyprus and other island states can be served well with liquefied natural gas. That also applies, by the way, to the Philippines and Indonesia where there is sufficient coastline."

Question 33) In 2017, Shell exited the extraction of Canadian tar sands oil. Was this done for environmental reasons?

MH: "The economic premise will have been more important.

Shell had to deploy a lot of capital on the ground. The environmental standard that Shell applies to this worldwide increased the cost. On the other hand, the yield of a barrel of tar sands oil was low, since it is lower quality oil. It is true that tar sand oil got a worse image, along the lines of tar oil, you should not want to be in it. At the same time, Shell stepped into a $30 billion Canadian liquefied natural gas project, along with some Japanese companies. Then you have to think, how many companies and capital do we have working in a single country?

Then you make portfolio decisions. If it's a good sale, then you use the cash from one project to start up another."

Question 34) Shell exited the shale oil industry in the United States.

Did environmental concerns play a role there?

MH: "To a certain extent. The business interest played a bigger role. Promises had been made to accelerate debt repayment through the acquisition of BG, so that required bringing capital

Question 30) Can you imagine Shell becoming an acquisition target?

MH: "If the oil price were to structurally collapse due to clean energy technology, there will come a time when the valuation of Shell's oil and gas reserves will also come under pressure.

At that moment I can imagine a takeover, but that is not on the agenda for the time being, if only because of the international competition laws and regulations."

The Hulsbergen family spent 17 years abroad for Shell.

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Important that battery technology get better! from the US back to the UK. From there, money could be returned to shareholders. Shell could sell a 'chunky bit' of the portfolio in one go and that was a very good fit at the time."

Question 35) How does hydrogen production fit into Shell's practice?

MH: "You need hydrogen in the refining of crude oil. This is certainly true of Shell's oil refinery in the Botlek area (the largest in Europe, ed.). So Shell already produces the necessary so-called grey hydrogen there. With that, you crack the supplied oil with hydrogen. Future green hydrogen can replace that gray hydrogen just fine."

Question 36) But surely Shell will want to invest in hydrogen?

MH: "We are now primarily looking at projects in the Netherlands and Germany. Hydrogen could become a very important energy carrier. It can be used to transport generated sustainable electricity in a different way. This makes it an alternative to the old-fashioned power cable network.

Furthermore, hydrogen can be used in industrial processes that run continuously, such as the steel furnaces at Tata Steel."

Question 37) It is difficult at this point to imagine a European network of charging stations for electric trucks. How do you see this?

MH: "The important thing is that battery technology is getting better and better. This will initially be positive for passenger

cars. Only much later will electricity become the fuel for trucks across Europe."

Question 38) Is Shell Chemie in Moerdijk an autonomous part of the group?

MH: "Shell is in the chemical industry worldwide and that remains a substantial growth market. In addition, certain fractions that come out of the refineries can be passed on directly to the chemical branch. So chemicals offer an important portfolio offset to oil and gas, while the profit margins are good. Investment can only be profitable in very large plants. Competition for Shell in the chemicals sector, in this regard, will come directly mostly from the Middle East."

Question 39) So in which countries can Shell do this?

MH: "In Qatar, Shell has a chemical plant that sits on top of a gas field; in Pennsylvania, USA, there is also a chemical unit close to shale gas production. In China, Shell has a chemical plant next to a huge tank storage facility, so there the company is right next to the customer."

Question 40) Has solar and wind power become large enough for a company like Shell?

MH: "Particularly in large states with favorable climate conditions, Shell has interests in green energy on land. For solar energy, this concerns the United States and Australia, but also Oman, for example. For wind energy, Shell is only interested in offshore wind energy in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. The company builds wind farms itself, but also acquires many well-run offshore wind projects. This is necessary to quickly create the right scale and to gain project experience." ♦

A Shell e-car charging station in London.

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Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof, Professor of Sustainable Business & Stewardship:

THE CONSUMER IS ONE OF THE LAST PASSENGERS ON THE SUSTAINABILITY TRAIN! In clear terms, Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof of Nyenrode Business University addresses ten statements on climate, sustainability and energy transition. His opinions are based on the latest facts and insights. He leaves little to be desired from the widely-held assumptions in international politics. China is not the big culprit. Politicians are not decisive in creating a more sustainable society. It is entrepreneurs, civil servants and professionals who are leading the way with innovations that will keep the earth habitable in the long term.

THESES BY OELE STEENKS, ANSWERS BY ANDRE NIJHOF

Theorem

1

The realization that sustainability is needed to pass the planet on to a next generation seems to have been accepted in the western world by a majority of the population. The Glasgow Climate Agreement has an impact on the average Western citizen.

Right or wrong?

AN: "Right, although the question is what we mean by 'supported.' The majority is convinced that climate change is a big problem and that something needs to be done about it. But that doesn't mean that they're going to take action themselves. Moreover, it is not primarily the climate agreement, but climate change that has an impact on the average Western citizen. In order to do something about that, a climate agreement has been drawn up. But we should not confuse the solution and the problem. The problem is climate change and part of the solution is agreements like the Glasgow Convention."

2

Theorem

There are numerous countries where survival defines daily practice, such as in the Sahel states, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, former USSR states.

Part of the problem is climate related. The Western world is not paying enough attention to national abuses in the pursuit of sustainability.

AN: "I agree, although I see sustainability in a broader context than climate change. Social inequality is also a big problem in these countries, with a small group that has a lot of possessions and a large group that has hardly any prospects for the future. This causes tensions that, in turn, fuel authoritarianism to keep those tensions in check. The Sustainable Development Goals are therefore deliberately set as a global agenda in which no theme can be left behind. Dov Seidman, among others, aptly indicates this in his book "How" with the statement "Our world has gone from connected, to interconnected, to interdependent." And that interdependence means that we need to look more systemically at how we can change the rules of the game so that sustainable results become the logical outcome. In our book "Changing the Game," we go into that in more detail, and I'm pleasantly surprised how all kinds of companies, governments and other organizations are leveraging that systemic way of thinking to accelerate sustainable transitions."

Theorem

3

In recent international tensions between Russia and the United States on the one hand and NATO allies on the other hand, classic military elements such as air force, land force and navy are back in full force. These cold war elements take away the urgency for climate goals from major power players like the U.S., Russia and China.

AN: "Disagree. The urgency of climate goals remains undiminished as, for example, the forest fires in Siberia and California last year are not extinguished by such developments. But the statement does indicate that the governance agenda is much more complex than just making policy on the sustainability themes. So in my view, these kinds of developments do not come in place of sustainability, but on top of it."

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Theorem

4

Most of the OPEC countries have economies that depend largely on the supplying of fossil fuels. Countries like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, the United Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have little interest in rapidly phasing out fossil fuel use.

AN: "I agree, but actually the same applies to a country like the Netherlands. Not only because of our fossil fuels (oil and gas), but also because we are a major consumer. In my view, reducing the use of fossil fuels does not start with OPEC countries, but with innovations that make us less dependent on oil from these kinds of countries. One striking development is that in countries around the equator - including these OPEC countries - it is already cheaper to generate electricity from renewable sources than from oil. So we are also not dependent on the will of these kinds of countries to change. There are other forces that are moving us in a more sustainable direction."

5

Theorem

Thesis: Within the EU, the practice of energy transition is uneven in the approaches of member states. France runs largely on power from nuclear reactors, Germany decouples nuclear power and increases dependence on Russian natural gas, Germany continues lignite exploitation, Poland seems a potential disaster country with outdated nuclear power plants and polluting lignite mining. More central direction from Brussels is needed.

AAN: "Disagree. That's the standard reflex as soon as we run into complex problems. The government has to solve it. But then we must first ask ourselves why it is so difficult for the government to solve it. In research, therefore, we often conduct a rootcause analysis first. What are the current rules of the game that lead to the current outcomes? And once we know that, we can figure out what interventions change those rules of the game. This is always possible because "the rules of the game are not godgiven, they are men-made." And then we come to a range of actors who can launch this type of intervention. For example, knowledge institutions that come up with new technologies on the basis of research. For example, companies that are first movers with new products and services. Banks, for example, who will make different choices as to what they will and will not finance. And, of course, Brussels, which can also do something. But that is not the central control that is in the statement.

Brussels has launched the Green Deal with which 700 billion will be invested from public funds in the direction of sustainable energy - hydrogen, geothermal, insulation, etc. - and a multiple of this will become available from private funds. The latter is especially stimulated by frameworks based on the EU Taxonomy. Large companies are already required to report by 2022 what percentage of their turnover and of their investments (Capex) meets the definitions set out in the Taxonomy. Smaller companies will follow in the years that follow. This is going to facilitate a flow of private money toward sustainable entrepreneurs. As a smart entrepreneur, you want to be there and I see that happening in many sectors now."

Theorem The willingness of Western consumers to accept climate-related stores and pricing investments in sustainability is ultimately the key driver for achieving a more sustainable economy in the West.

6

AN: "Disagree. I often say that the consumer is one of the last passengers on the sustainability train jumps. In my view, the most important driving factor is the inspired entrepreneurs, civil servants and other professionals who do not wait until they are forced to do so, but who proactively start working on becoming more sustainable. You can find these kinds of examples in every sector. And then, through action and reaction, the whole system begins to change. Just look at Tony Chocolonely, for example. There are now plenty of consumers who buy these chocolate bars. They have even become the market leader in 10 years and thus bigger than Milka, Nestle, Mars and other established companies. But did this start because we, as consumers, no longer wanted to buy chocolate made with poor working conditions? No, it started with Teun van der Keuken who, as a journalist, noticed that time and again chocolate was linked to slave labor. He set to work to prove that things could be done differently and now he is the biggest.

So you do need consumers, but we need to get away from the idea that companies can only move if customers ask for something. In themes such as sustainability, the customer is not king, but an ally towards a better world."

34 | VAN VERRE 291

7

Theorem The desire of citizens to work for organizations, institutions, and companies that actually are sustainable is an important second factor in achieving the climate agenda.

AN: "Agreed. Research shows that for more and more young people, the choice of their employer is partly determined by how they deal with sustainability. And in my opinion, it goes far beyond young people. Look at yourself. Does it matter to you if the organization you lead or work for is a leader in sustainability? It probably does. Realizing that your work is meaningful is a key driver of people."

Theorem The energy transition and innovations for a more sustainable Dutch society call for a corrective levy mechanism by the government.

8

AN: "Disagree. I think this is again the traditional reflex that the government has to solve complex problems and as long as they don't we can continue with "Business as Usual." No, the time of business as usual is over. And am I then against corrective levy mechanisms. No, they can indeed play a role. But first of all, alongside all kinds of other interventions and secondly, it is not only up to the government to introduce corrective tax mechanisms. PWC, for example, has decided that they will start to charge for all the CO2 that is released during the activities of their employees. Not by taxing it, but by creating an internal innovation budget. With that budget they are creating the conditions to reduce CO2 emissions. That is two times profit. They are prepared for the future if a CO2 tax is introduced and, as a frontrunner, they show how you can change the rules of the game through smart business."

9

Theorem As a traditional exporting country, the Netherlands has a head start in Improving international livability with sustainable solutions and products.

AN: "Agree and disagree. First of all, I agree, because it is precisely by taking the lead in this area that we stand the best chance of offering solutions which many other countries will also need. We are already doing this with regard to water issues and, for example, exporting our knowledge and products relating to greenhouse horticulture. However, because we are a major exporter, we also have an interest in maintaining what we already have (business as usual). Sustainable transitions involve phasing out the activities that lead to the current unsustainable outcomes. This reduction hurts and is accompanied by tension. We see this in agriculture, for example. But even then, the question remains whether the best way forward for the Netherlands in the long term is to try to maintain what already exists or to innovate towards sustainable solutions. Or to put it another way, do we as a Dutch exporter want to remain "part of the problem" or grow into "part of the solution"? The answer does not seem so complicated to me, obviously "part of the solution." And the great thing is that this is also possible in a sector such as agriculture. We just need to change the rules of the game so that farmers and other stakeholders can also move forward with those solutions."

Theorem China is having a major economic impact in South America and Africa, while this world power is still abundant with coal, oil and natural gas imports for its own national economy. The key to a successful climate agenda ultimately lies with the government in Beijing.

10

AN: "Disagree. First of all, I don't believe in "the key." There are all kinds of keys. By that, I mean the interventions that all kinds of actors can set in motion and thus lead to sustainable transitions through action and reaction. Moreover, this picture of China is not very nuanced. Yes, China still has its problems, but on many issues it is ahead of a country like the Netherlands. For example, in Beijing you only come across electric scooters and China is a global leader when it comes to the production of solar panels. I notice that an argument like, "it will only work if China also participates," is mainly used to avoid taking responsibility.

Blaming others is always an option when dealing with complex issues. Change occurs as soon as you turn it around and consider what you can do yourself. Think big, act small is what I call it. And that means each of us can take action that helps create the solutions to the sustainability issues we face around the world." ♦

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"SEASONAL STORAGE OF GREEN POWER IS THE HOLY GRAIL"

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INTERVIEW WITH: IR. DRS. RUBEN DIJKSTRA,

DIRECTOR OFFSHORE WIND ENECO The Netherlands has major problems with air pollution caused by heavy industry along its coastline.

About twenty kilometers from the beach, Eneco is rapidly building wind farms that can supply the green power to make Tata Steel, Shell Pernis and other companies 'clean.' American Hi Tech giants are also eager to use our wind power and, as customers, are at the same time laying a foundation for financing a healthy green energy sector in the Netherlands. Alumnus Ir. Drs. Ruben Dijkstra (19970009) discusses the developments in this market and the challenge of seasonal storage of green energy.

BY OELE STEENKS - PHOTOS ENECO

R

uben Dijkstra is one of the driving forces behind offshore wind energy in the Netherlands, called Offshore Wind Energy in technical jargon. He got a masters in mechanical engineering from TU Delft and started an IDPFM course at Nyenrode in 1997, after which he started working for Stork in 1999. In 2003 he joined the offshore oil and gas sector, becoming a supplier to Shell, among others. The green economy began to fascinate him at an early stage. In 2008 he became project director at Evelop International bv, which invested in wind and solar energy worldwide.

A year later he was asked to become Director Offshore Wind at Eneco.

RD: "I had been used to working with the challenge of offshore exploitation for quite some time. I joined Eneco to apply that knowledge to wind energy. Eneco is one of the champions of renewable energy in the Netherlands and currently the market leader. We are the greenest of the big and the biggest of the green to put it simply. Eneco is active in onshore solar energy, in onshore and offshore wind energy and in biomass."

By today's standards, that's already a long management period; is the work still challenging?

RD: "There is an incredible amount happening in this sector.

It has been front page news almost continuously. When I made the switch to Offshore Wind, the first warnings came from the American former vice president, Al Gore, that CO2 emissions in the world were rising too high. At the same time, energy independence became a major issue in Western Europe as Putin began to regularly turn on the gas tap. It was also the time of high oil prices, so the Dutch government looked at Dutch wind as a cheaper alternative for fossil fuel. Along with solar energy, that was a big promise at the time, assuming that a huge cost reduction would be possible. We have succeeded to achieve that cost reduction at sea. We can now build wind farms in the North Sea without subsidies. Dutch wind energy is currently the cheapest source of green energy. It has been a wonderful 'journey' over 13 years and we are far from finished.

There is now 2.5 gigawatts of offshore wind production running and, according to the new coalition agreement, this has to go to a capacity of 11 gigawatts by 2030. So that's times five in less than ten years. And to make the challenge even greater, the government is committed to further capacity expansion of another ten gigawatts."

Can you indicate how the production of Offshore Wind is controlled by the Dutch government?

RD: "There are currently 4.5 gigawatts worth of tenders due-known by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change. At the moment we are working very hard to fill in our part. Together with Shell, we are building a project of over 700 megawatts in the tender area Hollandse Kust Noord. Our colleague Vattenfall is building 1.5 gigawatts in the Hollandse Kust Zuid project. All in all, we're talking about a production of 2.2 gigawatts that will contribute to the target of 4.5 gigawatts set by the previous Rutte cabinets for the year 2023. This is guaranteed to succeed, because the tenders issued will be realized on time. We are on our way and construction is currently underway."

With Drs. Rob Jetten, the Netherlands has a minister for Climate and Energy. He has to tackle the big polluters in our country. Will Eneco's wind power play a role in the greening of Tata Steel, for example?

RD: "We are blessed in the Netherlands with a beautiful North Sea that lends itself ideally to the generation of offshore wind energy. The wind conditions are favorable, while the bottom is not too deep and has a stable structure. We do not need to build floating or other complicated structures for the foundations of the wind turbines. In addition, we have a good starting point for the Dutch industry to build on. And let heavy industry, our biggest future customers, be in very convenient locations. From Eemshaven/Delfzijl, Amsterdam/IJmuiden, Maasvlakte/Pernis to Terneuzen on the Western Scheldt. You don't have to travel all over the country with cables to reach the major customers, as is

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INTERVIEW WITH: IR. DRS. RUBEN DIJKSTRA the case in Germany. If wind energy is produced there on the North Sea or Baltic coast, it has to be fed into the grid across the country to reach the chemical industry in southern Germany.

However, we can link green electricity in the Netherlands directly to companies like Tata Steel and Shell Refinery. And in the future, it will also be possible to link the pipelines of oil and gas extraction in the North Sea to wind turbines, to produce offshore hydrogen in the process! We are thus in the unique position to achieve 1 plus 1 is 3 on the North Sea.The North Sea, as a production region for future energy, can excellently strengthen the earning capacity of the Netherlands, with which we can largely compensate for the reduction of our natural gas production from the Slochteren field."

Is an off-take contract from Tata Steel already on the table for Eneco?

RD: "We can only build offshore wind energy projects if we can conclude contracts with major parties in advance. For Hollandse Kust Noord we have concluded a contract with Amazon for their data centers, among others. Tata's environmental plans are dated for the end of 2021 and include reducing CO2 emissions and moving to the use of hydrogen, produced using green energy.

The policy change at Tata Steel comes too late for our current projects, but the government's plans include a decrease of 5 gigawatts by Tata Steel, out of a total of 17 gigawatts of planned new Offshore Wind Energy capacity. So for finding future partners, Tata Steel is potentially an important off-take route."

What makes Offshore Wind Energy pass the break-even point in a reasonably short time?

RD: "The most important development towards subsidy-free offshore wind, is the technological development. Eneco has started with offshore wind energy at the Princess Amaliapark.

There we use rotor blades of 80 meters span and 2 megawatt generators.We had to erect sixty of them to reach the total capacity of 120 megawatts. Now we are building 69 wind turbines with a wingspan of 200 meters in the Hollandse Kust Noord project, with a total capacity of 760 megawatts. So we have grown to turbines of 11 megawatts. It still takes just as long to erect a similar number of turbines, but it

produces six times as much energy. Maintenance has also become more efficient; the turbines require the same amount of maintenance to lubricate them all, so to speak. So those costs have also been reduced by a factor of six. You can see the same thing in the supply chain, which in the beginning was based on construction platforms from the oil and gas exploitation in the North Sea. That was always building a single platform at a location, whereas now we have 69 times the repetitive construction activity.

The offshore industry has developed and specialized vessels have been built to realize this assembly line setup. Parties like Boskalis and Van Oord have invested in the special installation vessels. The steel foundations for our turbines were initially manufactured in Roermond, but production has now been transferred to the Maasvlakte, where large series of foundations can be made.

Another thing that has greatly improved is the procedural process.

When we started with offshore wind energy, each producer was required to arrange his own permits and ensure connection to Tennet's Dutch electricity grid. And that, too, in competition with each other. Now this model is tilted towards the Dutch government, which designates the best sites, grants them in advance and then calls for tenders. So the government designates a plot and it is equipped with a power outlet. That makes a huge difference in our investment costs."

With the tender system for Offshore Wind Energy, has the Dutch state made its own revenue model out of green power?

RD: "I want to approach it in a positive way. The process of tendering has definitely contributed to the quality of offshore wind energy. The best party wins, as it were. The rules of the Dutch government are very transparent and it's certainly not the case that national parties have an advantage. A Chinese energy producer has just as much chance of winning a tender as a national party."

But the requested investments must have been increased by a significant factor, especially given the driving ambition of the Rutte 4 cabinet?

RD: "The extremely low interest rates have, of course, had a positive effect on the financing of this type of large project. But all in all, we in the Netherlands have the best development model for wind energy in Europe. In other countries, the energy producer has to take care of the connection to the electricity grid, which often leads to longer lead times. Tennet is already building the cable connection for the Hollandse Kust West tender, which is currently being prepared by the government. As a developer, you can assume that the power outlet is already there for the wind turbines you are going to build as the winner of a tender."

Will future Offshore Wind Farms have the same soil conditions as the first projects?

RD: "The bottom of the North Sea is very favorable for us; there are no strange things in it like rock, chalk or bollards. In addition, the bottom between the Netherlands and England doesn't really slope much; in the middle a depth of 40 meters is reached. The Belgian and German North Sea coasts are subject to similar conditions. It is a homogeneous sand package. We build the wind farms at least 10 nautical miles, or 18 kilometers, from the national coast. The water depth we work with is roughly

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30 meters. We go into the ground about 50 to 60 meters. The total length of the foundation consists of 60 meters in the ground, 30 meters in the water and 25 meters above water. So we are talking about foundations of 115 meters in length that we are hoisting into the ground. We are looking for alternatives to do this with less noise pollution, because it is true that hoisting has an impact on the welfare of the fish population and marine animals in the North Sea." Sweden's Vatenfall is Eneco's biggest competitor when it comes to Offshore Wind Energy in the Netherlands. How is the competition going?

RD: "We both have about the same number of customers in the Dutch market. Under the Nuon brand, Vattenfall has built up a very strong bond with the Dutch market, but now the company is shifting color to its Swedish parent company (state-owned, etc.)."

To what extent do the German and Belgian electricity markets give Eneco a chance of stabilization on the offtake side?

RD: "The electricity grids of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium are interconnected and the electricity prices are also correlated to one another. So in principle we can supply customers in our neighbouring countries with our offshore and onshore wind farms, but as a rule we serve large local customers.

For example, we link the Blauwwind project (Borssele 3&4) to Dutch Railways, Schiphol, Microsoft Netherlands and DSM. There are agreements to balance electricity production and offtake, but it is not the case that we are now structurally serving industry in southern Germany with Eneco Offshore Wind energy."

Can you provide a cost-benefit analysis of Offshore Wind Energy for the average Dutch person?

RD: "You can say that the construction of a wind farm in the North Sea costs two and a half million euros per megawatt. The average trade electricity price in the Netherlands was about 50 euros per megawatt hour or 5 cents per kilowatt hour. At home, you pay about 22 cents per kilowatt hour. The 17-cent difference that consumers pay consists of transmission costs and taxes.

The taxes can be used to encourage consumers to behave in an energy-efficient manner."

Is the Dutch consumer being sandbagged with the importance of small energy savings, while a dozen or so industrial plants are responsible for half of the air pollution in the Netherlands?

RD: "Let me put it this way, it was necessary for the government, in order to correct this imbalance, to take more control. I welcome the fact that we now have a separate Minister for Climate and Energy. At least there is one person in our country whom we can call to account on this issue and who can set the rules of the game. Together with the European Fit For 55 program, now is the time to move on. On the one hand with support packages that ensure that Dutch industry does not lag behind internationally, on the other hand, we must oblige our industry to become more sustainable."

What does this EU program entail?

RD: "The FIT For 55 program is a great concept because it outlines across the EU how we are going to get to 55% less CO2 emissions by 2040. It outlines a framework how we will achieve this for industry, but also how we can finance the production of green hydrogen. Furthermore, some major adjustments are arranged. For example, CO2 pricing is an effective way to push industry in the right direction. But this has to be regulated at the European level, otherwise competition will be distorted. Fit for 55 provides a steppingstone for framing national plans for climate and energy. It is also good that the EU has come up with a Carbon Border Adjustment price mechanism at the external borders, to protect European industry as a whole against producers from continents where the international climate agreement is less strictly complied with."

Will this make the European green energy market a transparent, unified market?

RD: "The rollout of offshore wind energy is still a national affair within the EU until now. This also applies to onshore green energy. In the Netherlands we are accelerating the phasing out of gas-fired power plants and the Rutte 4 cabinet has now included the option of nuclear energy in its coalition agreement. At the same time, Germany is phasing out its nuclear power plants. We are phasing out gas, while in Germany they are actually moving from lignite to natural gas. The same applies to Poland. That country has the task of only now saying goodbye to outdated nuclear power plants and highly polluting lignite. Locally, these may be logical choices, but more holistically you might ask: what the hell are we doing here now?"

Will offshore wind energy eventually become an export product?

RD: "There is a huge demand for energy in the Netherlands from heavy industry on the coast. The big challenge for the Netherlands is how to make this sector sustainable. We very much need the potential of offshore wind energy to enable the transition to a clean heavy industry. So for now I don't see the Netherlands as a country becoming a net exporter of wind power."

But does Eneco have the economic basis to participate as a company in offshore wind energy projects in other member states?

RD: "At Eneco we strongly believe in partnerships, until now logically with local partners, who on the one hand can generate joint working capital, and on the other hand a partner such as Shell offers purchase security with the refinery in Pernis and with Shell Chemie in Moerdijk, where the switch is made to green power. Furthermore, both parties in the Netherlands complement each other across the board in the consumer market, we on the production side and Shell in the downstream activities, i.e. selling gasoline, diesel and charging power to the consumer. In Poland the Baltic Sea offers good opportunities for offshore wind energy.

The first concessions have been granted. In 2025 or 2026 we will also see the first offshore wind turbines there. We are looking at that, but more strategically for now. In the future, we will always look per market and per tender, at what we lack to be successful abroad."

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INTERVIEW WITH: IR. DRS. RUBEN DIJKSTRA

Will there be a shift from onshore to offshore wind power in the home market?

RD: "Positively put, offshore wind is going to pull most of the patriotic energy transition. I expect that we cannot exclude onshore solar and onshore wind. We desperately need that capacity. The government's policy of bringing green energy with a regional approach seems to be succeeding. The task of achieving 35Terrawatt hours to develop onshore green power, including projects in progress and licensed upcoming sites, is within reach. So there is still a growing supply of green energy on land. But the big steps forward, as I said, are coming from offshore wind energy. With the cabinet plans to get to 11 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, we are already at a filling of 49 terra watt-hours on the Dutch electricity grid with offshore wind. And on top of that comes the permit for 10 gigawatts of additional capacity in the North Sea! Then the supply to the Dutch electricity grid will increase to over 80 terra watt hours.

That is a huge step forward. And for offshore wind energy there is simply more space and less resistance, because you do notice that on land there is increasing resistance to wind farms."

Do Dutch consumers sufficiently understand that the importance of the Netherlands as a hub of international digital connections, is sometimes more important than environmental concerns?

RD: "This is a false contradiction. We are indeed in the Netherlands at a hub of the HiTech world with cable connections for Google, Microsoft and Facebook etc. As Eneco, we are not really in the game strategically in this regard, but obviously more opportunistically. The American HiTech giants need local parties with whom they can claim not to burden the international environment. That's a match made in heaven, from our perspective. It requires green power and they are capital-rich buyers. Our livelihood security is enhanced because we can enter into long-term contracts with financially robust parties."

The socially underlying question though is do we want to use the limited supply of wind and solar energy to bring new sustainable economic activities to the Netherlands, or do we want to use that capacity to make the existing economy more sustainable?

RD: "The new demand from foreign internet companies, in principle, does not directly help to stop the pollution of Tata Steel."

The Dutch state is going to issue two more tenders for offshore wind energy over the Wadden Islands. What is the likelihood of legal proceedings brought by environmental groups?

RD: "When the tender is issued for the locations above the Wadden Islands, the environmental permit is in place, although it is not yet irrevocable. But when the tender is issued, the chance

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that a party can successfully lodge a legal objection is very small.

There is already a spatial framework, within which a parcel decision has been approved."

Are there any limitations to harnessing offshore wind energy?

RD: "The limitation of green energy is that it is supply driven instead of demand driven. We are not really used to that in our society yet. On the one hand, the energy company is going to determine more when you can run the washing machine or charge your car. We call that "peak shaving.” On the other hand, we have to look for the holy grail in energy transition, and that is seasonal storage. This involves moving wind energy from the winter to the summer. At the moment, we are still feeding excess capacity into the grid. There are already enough households with solar panels that are net producers of green electricity. These are, in themselves, bad customers for an energy company, because these households are busy dragging power from the day to the evening, and from summer to the winter. So far, this has cost these people nothing; in fact, they get it netted on their bank account, but they do purchase a service from Eneco or a comparable competitor. We will definitely move to a different model of pricing energy, as we have already seen in telephony.

You used to pay per tap, until KPN found out that they were no longer seeing taps due to What's App and Skype. Then our telephony company had to switch to pay per bundle at lightning speed. I expect we're going to see something similar in the energy market, such that you're charged for personal storage and shifting rather than rewarded."

Can you explain how we get green hydrogen on a large scale in the Netherlands?

RD: "At the moment we produce hydrogen in the Netherlands using our natural gas. The advantage is that this is a very efficient process, but the disadvantage is that it releases CO2.

This nullifies the intended greening. In contrast, the Renewable Energy Directive, an EU directive, states that renewable fuel must be blended in. This places an initial demand for green hydrogen in the European market. This involves the use of electrolysis. You put water under voltage and with that you pull it apart into oxygen and hydrogen. It is a technique that has been around for a long time, but has not yet been applied on an industrial scale. Eneco is involved in several pilots in the Netherlands. So far, those pilots have a scale of 1 to 2 megawatts.

Within a few years, the scale must be increased to 100 to 200 megawatts. There is still a great deal of work to be done. The technology is still in its infancy. In the somewhat longer term, it is possible that we will see energy islands at sea, on which we can do hydrogen production." ♦

DR. DRS. INGEBORG DE WOLF OF WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY & RESEARCH DISCUSSES URGENT INNOVATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE:

BY OELE STEENKS IN WITH DR. DRS. INGEBORG DE WOLF. PHOTOGRAPHY INGEBORG DE WOLF/WUR

Agricultural export success under EU climate rules and Nl. coalition agreement?

The Rutte 4 cabinet seems to be intensely concerned with Dutch agriculture and horticulture in the coalition agreement. The government is proud that we are the second largest agricultural export country in the world, but something has to change quickly about the environmental problems. After D66 announced that the livestock population should be halved, there is now an ambitious framework on paper. Sustainability and circular agriculture are high on the list. Drs. Ingeborg de Wolf (20145115), head of the department of Livestock & Environment at Wageningen University & Research, discusses the thrust of the coalition agreement. She is positive about new forms of agriculture and horticulture. She highlights the importance of technological, social and economic innovations and of an integrated view of sustainability within agriculture and horticulture.

M

AINTAIN OPPOSITION?

The Netherlands is a major player when it comes to production and - thanks to the port of Rotterdam - export of agricultural and horticultural products. At the same time, in the coalition agreement of the Rutte 4 government, agriculture is under pressure.

Can the Netherlands maintain this leading position?

IDW: "The coalition agreement contains ambitious goals that directly affect agriculture and horticulture: The Netherlands wants to be a leader in Europe in combatting global warming.

Therefore, we must emit at least 55% less carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2030, and the coalition agreement mentions a target reduction of 60%. By 2050 at the latest, the Netherlands wants to be climate neutral. This not only concerns carbon dioxide itself, but also other greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). We express these greenhouse gases in terms of CO2 equivalents. Every year, agriculture emits about 27 megatons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. The reduction that agriculture must realize is enormous. The coalition agreement also includes a major task for nitrogen emissions: not in 2035, but already in 2030, 74% of the area of nitrogen-sensitive nature in protected Natura 2000 areas must have a healthy nitrogen level. This is necessary because we want to protect our nature and restore the loss of biodiversity.

Nitrogen emissions in agriculture mainly occur in the form of

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DR. DRS. INGEBORG DE WOLF OF WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY & RESEARCH DISCUSSES URGENT INNOVATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE: ammonia (NH3). The emissions are largely due to the livestock sector.

The directions mentioned are: closed substance cycle farming, extensification, conversion, barn modifications, more outdoor grazing, innovation and relocation. The coalition agreement also focuses on animal husbandry. The starting point here is positive animal welfare, i.e. not preventing animal welfare from being compromised, but improving animal welfare. Drastic measures involve costs.

This also applies to measures in agriculture and horticulture. These measures will be partially or fully discounted in the cost price of products.

If the market price then also rises to maintain margins, our products become more expensive and it becomes more difficult to maintain our leading position as exporters. At the same time, it is questionable how realistic our current prices are if we include negative externalities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, gases and nitrogen, and degradation of bio-diversity, do not factor into the price."

Surely these higher cost prices will also apply in other EU member states?

IdW: "This is slightly different for our country. The Dutch business community will want to maintain its position as a major exporter of agricultural and horticultural products. The question is how the government will view this.

It has been agreed at the European level that the targets for reducing emissions will be tightened and that emissions from agriculture must not exceed the amount of carbon sequestered in land use.

What does this mean in concrete terms?

The Netherlands must greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but in biological processes this can, of course, never be brought back to zero.

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The remaining emissions must be compensated for by creating many forests.

This places our small country in a difficult dilemma. Because we export a lot, the agricultural sector is responsible for relatively large emissions of greenhouse gases. These emissions are charged to the Netherlands: after all, the products are produced here. The issue is the so-called "Net Zero" approach, which has been embraced as a strategy by the European Union. To this end, the EU has now combined emissions from agriculture and carbon sequestration through targeted land use into one category. This is Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use, or the AFOLU. This should reach a net zero for Europe. In the coming years, negotiations should clarify how agricultural emissions and carbon sequestration will be regulated at the European level. The question arises whether countries that produce a lot of food for other EU countries can make use of carbon sequestration in those importing countries. The worst case scenario is that the Netherlands has to solve the problem on its own. Another point is that if the Netherlands starts producing less to meet the "Net Zero" approach, we will have to import more.

This means that elsewhere in the world there will be greater emissions problems because people there are producing less sustainably. Those emissions, while not charged to us, are at odds with the ambition to achieve sustainable agrifood systems."

IS THE END OF MEGA-STALLS IMMINENT? Livestock production has grown large in recent decades through scale and efficiency. Megastalls have determined modern business operations.

Are we going to phase out this form of livestock farming in the Netherlands?

IdW: "The current form of agriculture was initiated after the war by Sicco Mansholt, who aimed to provide sufficient and affordable food for the Netherlands.

This resulted in a focus on quantity and efficiency. With the knowledge and insights we now have, we realize that this approach has brought us much, but that we have not paid sufficient attention to the negative consequences.

That is why you now see that a transition to sustainable agro-food systems is underway. This is a difficult process,

because sustainability is a catch-all term that covers many different aspects. These are interrelated and influence each other.

Let me give a concrete example: If you want to prevent emissions in a dairy barn by removing manure and urine from the barn quickly and cleanly, you can do that with a slide over a smooth coated floor. But if the cows start slipping because the floor is so slippery, then you have solved one problem but created a new one in its place.

Which aspects of sustainability you consider important is value-driven: what I consider important, someone else may not.

As a result, everyone makes different choices. On top of that, the geographical context determines whether something will work: on the sandy soils in the southeast of the Netherlands you can do different things than on the clay in Zeeland or the peat meadow areas in the west of the Netherlands. One farm is adjacent to a nature reserve, another is not. Moreover, one farmer is not the other: some farmers want to farm organically, others natureinclusive, and still others prefer a more traditional farm. Finally, the area-based approach that the government is advocating will also affect what can and cannot be done. Based on this development, I expect more variation to emerge. Traditional farms will remain and focus on technical sustainability, although there will probably be fewer of them, and other forms of livestock farming will also emerge. It is expected, however, that the increase in scale will continue. The current bottlenecks in agriculture are caused not so much by the size of farms, but much more by the fact that we have a lot of livestock in the Netherlands. Our country is one of the countries with the highest livestock density in the world. You can look at large farms to see if everything has to be in one location, or if you spread it out over several locations."

WHAT EXACTLY IS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE? Rutte 4 is going to commit to sustainable agriculture. What does this mean in practice?

IdW: "The quality of the soil, the quality of the water, the restoration of biodiversity and the climate must all be managed at the same time. Nitrogen and greenhouse gases play an important role here, but also think of medicine and pesticide use. The coalition agreement also mentions animal

husbandry. In its Opinion, the Council on Animal Affairs argues that this aspect should be fully considered. This confronts us with some difficult questions! Manure is necessary to allow plants to grow and to improve the quality of the soil, but fertilizing also means undesirable emissions into the air. We all like to see cows in pastures. It does give less ammonia emissions and also slightly less methane, but on sandy soils the risk of nitrate leaching actually increases again because of the cows' urine spots. Farmers must constantly be aware of the consequences of their choices. The tricky thing here is that what is good on the farm is not necessarily good at the local, provincial or national level and vice versa. If a farmer takes many measures to give substance to all these core concepts, it may still be the case that standards are exceeded at another level; for example, because there are too many farmers close to a nature reserve.

That is why the coalition agreement states that an area-specific approach is needed: customization is required to achieve this.

The provinces will be given more responsibility. But customization is also necessary within provinces: the clay soil in the west of North Brabant is very different in composition from the sandy soil in the east of the province. Moreover, one farmer is not like another: some look primarily for technical solutions, while others opt for a different approach. That is why we talk about target regulations instead of means regulations: how you do it - the means - is not so important, but that you achieve the goals is what counts. This could be done by means of an accountable substance balance, but research has shown that there are also problems with that. One example is enforcement. Enforcement is not easily possible because you cannot unequivocally demonstrate whether work is being done within standards. Moreover, enforcement is very labor-intensive and costly. Another example is that it clashes with European obligations. It is therefore a major challenge to flesh out the policy described in the Rutte government's coalition agreement4. At the same time, it is good to see that the government is aware that we cannot look at and solve problems in isolation, but must do so in conjunction integrally."

IS CIRCULAR FARMING THE NEW MAGIC WORD? Rutte 4 is committed to circular agriculture, which to an outsider sounds like going back in time. Is this circular agriculture economically sound or is it wishful thinking?

IdW: "In fact, circular agriculture is a collective term for many activities that focus on values that we consider important, such as biodiversity, a valueadded landscape and reduced losses of minerals to the environment. So with circular agriculture we are not going back in time. Nostalgic images like the farmer plowing the land with horses or oxen are not going to be seen on a large scale again.

The modern farmer uses modern techniques and will continue to do so in closed-loop farming. But a fair business model is important if recycling agriculture is to be profitable. Some farmers, for example, rely on short chains. Floating Farm, in the middle of Rotterdam, is an example: the cows on this floating farm in the port of Rotterdam are fed grass from the vicinity of the city, among other things.

The milk from those cows is then sold directly from the farm to the inhabitants of Rotterdam. In various places you see farmers combining different functions, for example in the form of so-called agroforestry. This involves combining arable farming, vegetable growing or livestock farming on the same plot of land with the planting of trees and woody plants. This requires an earnings model that is different from the traditional earnings model; it therefore calls for economic innovation combined with entrepreneurship. You also see, not only in the Netherlands but elsewhere in the world, smart collaborations between sectors, for example between pig farming and greenhouse horticulture. There are still many challenges involved in fully closing the cycles. Closed-loop farming is also about closing mineral cycles and preventing the leakage of important

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nutrients such as N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium) and 18 other minerals. When substances leak, you have to replenish them, and often they come from non-renewable sources. So, because we don't want to deplete natural resources, you have to prevent these substances from leaking. A major source of leakage is manure. This is not just manure from livestock farms, but also manure from people. This disappears into the sewers, but actually the growth substances from human manure should also be returned to the land. The Netherlands will have to regulate this properly, because human manure is also a source of medicine residues and germs. In the use of manure, the environment and public health are therefore just as important as the environment."

Farmers are almost expected to perform an ecological miracle, it seems.

IdW: "In any case, it is complex. For example, we do not yet have an answer to the question at what level you can close the cycle. There is no such thing as a closed loop at the farm, because products leave the farm and, therefore, by definition, there is no closed system. Closing cycles in a densely populated country like the Netherlands is also not feasible at the local or provincial level. But at what level can it be done? And should the cycle be limited to a specific sector or can you make interesting combinations with other sectors, with sectors outside agriculture and horticulture, that allow you to create much more value?

What does closing cycles mean for our food security? And what does feeding residual products from the biobased economy mean for the animals we feed them? In short, circular agriculture is not wishful thinking, but a direction with interesting perspectives.

Much of it still needs to be fleshed out, so there is still a lot to think about."

WILL THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR HAVE TO GIVE UP LAND? Rutte 4 speaks of a differentiated approach to agriculture and horticulture. Does this mean that a reclassification of the Netherlands is coming, with the agricultural sector having to give up space?

IdW: "It is good for the Netherlands to consider whether we are doing everything in a logical place or whether some activities would be better performed elsewhere.

I don't think it's logical to keep cows on land that is suitable for arable farming,

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for example. It would be better to have those cows grazing on land where grass grows fine but there is little else we can do with it. This is not entirely black and white, because livestock farming in an arable area can also ensure the efficient use of manure and the utilization of vegetable residual flows. This area-based approach will certainly lead to a reclassification. Provinces play a central role in this. Good coordination between provinces is important: what is not appropriate in Limburg may well be appropriate in North Holland. Whether the agricultural sector will have to give up a lot of space on balance is questionable. We are mainly talking about land-based agriculture and horticulture, such as arable farming, fruit growing, bulb cultivation and dairy farming. It is realistic to assume that the livestock sector will shrink. D66 previously floated a trial balloon by stating that the livestock population must shrink significantly by 2030 and that in the Netherlands we must move towards halving the current livestock population. But as long as we, as consumers, continue to eat as many animal products as we do now, and there is hardly any decline, animal production will therefore shift to other areas of the world, where in many cases production is less sustainable."

In doing so, the Netherlands would simply be giving up part of its agricultural sector, without getting anything in return. Or is it more nuanced?

IdW: "If you want to get to a sustainable agrifood system, then you also have to look at changing modern consumption.

Then you are talking about the protein transition. Less animal protein and more vegetable protein means that more space is needed for open cultivation such as arable farming and fruit growing. This means that more land is needed for this purpose. Also, the pursuit of extensive systems means that more space is needed. For extensive cultivation one has to think, for example, of more crop rotation and the cultivation of plants that bind nitrogen. What is often forgotten is that we have to fertilize plants.

More vegetable proteins also means that more fertilizer is needed. This can be artificial fertilizer, but the production of artificial fertilizer consumes a lot of fossil energy and thus contributes to the depletion of non-renewable natural resources. It can also be manure from animals, but then you need enough animals to produce enough

manure. And you have to leave those animals somewhere: that means you need enough land. Or you have to consider using people's manure. Because right now we are throwing away a lot of valuable nutrients through the sewers. Another issue here is that some of our soils are not suitable for things other than grass. For example, the soil is too wet to grow arable crops, as is the case in stream valleys. If you start using peat soil for arable farming, it will sink even faster than it already is. There is little else you can do on such soil except let grass grow and let cows graze on it. Moreover, the European "Farm to Fork" strategy will ask for more space for agriculture and horticulture, because this vision states that 25% of the European agricultural area must be organic by 2030. It remains to be seen, therefore, whether the agricultural sector will, on balance, have to give up much space as a result of the envisaged differentiated approach; possibly even more land will be needed. It will be more a matter of shifting what you do where rather than a substantial shrinkage in space."

WHY A TRANSITION FUND? Rutte 4 also speaks of a generous transition fund of 25 billion euros until 2035: that doesn't sound very positive for modern agriculture and horticulture, does it?

IIdW: "I don't think a generous transition fund of 25 billion until 2035 necessarily sounds negative for modern agriculture and horticulture. You can see it as a disqualification of our current agrifood system, but I prefer to see it as an opportunity. The Dutch focus on quantity and efficiency simply has a downside.

We do not produce our food within the carrying capacity of the earth. We must, therefore, produce more sustainably and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In addition to sufficient healthy and affordable food, these include climate, biodiversity, life on land and in water, health and welfare. The UN goals are reflected in the ambitions set out in the Rutte government's 4 coalition agreement.

But I point out that it is also about inclusion, a fair income, no poverty in the world.

The Transition Fund offers the opportunity to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system by innovating technologically, socially and economically. It will allow us to do more research on what the issues are that we have to solve.

In doing so, we will look not only at the farm, but at our entire food system, the revenue models and responsibilities within the chain. It is not a question of choosing between nature or water or food production: it is a question of what you can do best where and how you can achieve a situation with nature and water and food production and a liveable countryside. Achieving a sustainable agrifood system is a joint responsibility. You cannot place that responsibility with one party. That's why it's great to see that a company like Nestlé is now taking the sustainability of its dairy, coffee and cocoa production seriously and investing several billion euros in this over the next few years. If we think about how to redesign our food system, we can also anticipate what is coming our way. Think of heat stress for plants and animals due to higher temperatures and the introduction of new plant and animal diseases and zoonoses. Think of extreme precipitation or extremely dry periods and what that means for arable farming, fruit growing and flower bulb cultivation, or salinization for the species and varieties we grow. Depending on how it is implemented, the transition fund offers many possibilities. It will be different if the transit fund is used to a large extent to buy out polluting companies, if there is pressure to stop. That will create a lot of resistance and puts us in front of other questions."

MORE AND MORE RULES FOR FARMERS? Livestock farmers have to register their feed, use organic manure and do land-based livestock farming. Isn't this limiting entrepreneurship and what is the climate contribution?

IdW: "By land-based livestock farming we generally mean dairy farming; the feed for the cows comes from the farmer's land. Pig farming, poultry farming and veal calf farming are not land-bound. The feed does not come directly from the land, but from mixed feed companies that process mostly residual flows and co-products from human nutrition. Pig farming, poultry farming and veal calf farming are referred to as intensive livestock farming. In all cases there may be large barns, but there may also be farms that are medium-sized or even small. The size of the farm and the barn say nothing about the way the farmer treats his land or his livestock. Even a large farm can be extensive.

The term "mega-stables" has a negative connotation, but it is not necessarily bad.

A large farmer, for example, often has more opportunities to invest in equipment to prevent odor nuisance for the environment, to improve fire safety and can also do more to prevent the introduction of animal diseases. When it comes to climate, the largest contribution comes from dairy farming and to a lesser extent from sheep and goat farming. This is because cows, sheep and goats produce methane during the digestive process in the gastrointestinal tract. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, as much as 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Although methane breaks down in the atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide, it can cause much more damage during the time it is in the air. At the moment, Wageningen University & Research, together with feed suppliers, barn builders, dairy companies and farmers, is doing a lot of research on how to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. For example, it is being investigated whether other feeds or feed additives can reduce methane formation. The registration of feed, the use of organic manure and land-based livestock farming are mainly intended to reduce nitrogen emissions and close cycles. A tool for farmers is the Kringloop Wijzer. All dairy farmers are required to fill in this tool. This gives them insight into the amount of nitrogen and phosphate that cows excrete, how well minerals are utilized and how much ammonia they emit. This Recycling Wizard was developed in the project "Cows and Opportunities," where many new developments are being tested.

In study groups of farmers they compare their scores from the Kringloop Wijzer. In this way they can learn from one another."

Is such a self-correcting sector approach sufficient?

IdW: "At the moment, solutions to greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions are mainly sought in the technical corner.

I doubt that this is enough if we look at the challenges that lie ahead. I see the healthy and sustainable feeding of a future world population of 10 billion people in 2050 as one of the biggest social issues. To be able to produce within the carrying capacity of the earth, there must be no negative effects on the climate, biodiversity, health and welfare of people and animals and on finite natural resources. In addition, the equal and inclusive development of people worldwide must be guaranteed. This calls for a substantial transition of the current food

systems, bringing together technological, economic, ecological, social and societal approaches. Transitioning to sustainable food systems on a global scale is complex because sustainability is a catch-all term: it consists of many different aspects. Those aspects - cultural, political, economic, ecological and social in nature - influence each other, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively. Solutions that work in one context do not necessarily work in another. So there are no "one size fits all" solutions. Moreover, what is sustainable on the farm is not necessarily sustainable on a national or international level. In addition, it is not a static but a dynamic problem that changes over time and solutions are value driven. All these factors that we have to take into account can quickly cause us to get bogged down. At the same time, we feel the urgency to take steps quickly. We are therefore dealing with a complex and challenging social issue that demands integrated solutions. That requires direction, dialogue and the taking of responsibility by all stakeholders."

IS PRESSURE ON FARMERS REALLY NECESSARY? I assume that modern farmers themselves are already working on reducing nitrogen emissions and on a more animal-friendly policy in the stable and in the pasture.” Should livestock farming in the Netherlands be put under such pressure?

IDW: "Many farmers are indeed already working to make their farms more sustainable. They are doing this, for example, by means of circular agriculture, installing air scrubbers, adapting the stall and the ration and injecting manure instead of using surface fertilization. What makes it difficult for the farmer is that it is a complex set of aspects that he has to pay attention to.

Measures that reduce nitrogen emissions from dairy cattle do not necessarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Free-range

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poultry is not without danger: the danger of bird flu is just around the corner. On the contrary, particulate matter emissions have increased with free-range farming.

And if you invest in expensive equipment, such as air scrubbers in a pig house, it may turn out that they do not achieve the efficiency levels specified by the manufacturer and you will still exceed the limit values. Many measures taken by farmers are aimed at optimizing the current situation. Farmers are often hesitant because the policy is not unambiguous; they want to invest, but are bound by a bank that must cooperate. And it is not without risk: there is a chance that you are doing the right thing now, but later it turns out that things need to be done differently. The nitrogen crisis makes it clear how complicated it is. The courts have ruled that the rules for nitrogen are inadequate, they have cracked down on national nitrogen policy, they have annulled nitrogen decisions and they have declared the provinces' nitrogen policies illegal. Of course, as a farmer you must not seek out or cross the boundaries, but doing it right becomes very difficult if the rules of the game are not clear. Putting the farmer under pressure does not help. What does help is to have a vision, to set goals, to facilitate farmers and to encourage them to take action.

Organize a dialogue, define the problem together and look together for possible solutions that can count on the support of the various stakeholders. The outcome could be that the number of livestock must be reduced, for example, but that would then be part of the solution and not an end in itself. If you really want to make progress and not just optimize the current situation technically, you will have to innovate. You will have to develop new agro-food systems. A number of farmers are already working on this, but scaling up is necessary to achieve the

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sustainability goals. Moreover, developing a new system is not an easy task. Many farmers have made substantial investments in their business and must first write off these costs before they can invest in something new. This is often a matter of decades. Moreover, you cannot place all the responsibility on the farmer. If we want to produce our food sustainably, then that is a shared responsibility of the entire chain: the farmer, the processor, the supermarket and the consumer and all other parties directly or indirectly involved in our food production.

That calls for chain innovation. But it also calls for a broader view of our diet. Agriculture in the Netherlands contributes to about 10% to the greenhouse effect. Two thirds of this is due to methane (CH4), which is mainly of animal origin, and the remaining one third is due to nitrous oxide (N2O), which comes mainly from the land where plants grow that has been fertilized. Thus, an entirely plant-based diet does not mean that no greenhouse gases are released in the production of our food. In addition, a vegan diet means that the nutrient deficiencies in the absence of animal manure must be supplemented with fertilizer.

The production of artificial fertilizer consumes a lot of fossil energy. Also, a fully plant-based food system requires more land, because animals now produce food for humans from residual streams and co-products or use grass from marginal lands. In other words, making our food system more sustainable is complex and requires multiple system choices. A dialogue with all stakeholders is the best way forward rather than exerting great pressure. It is better to search together for possible solutions, without losing sight of the fact that the Netherlands is not an island. The choices we make here have a broader scope than just the Netherlands." ♦

After 25 years, the Johan Cruijff ArenA has a new CEO. Tanja Dik (19920911) comes in with a huge baggage of relevant experience, gained at Stage Entertainment and Schiphol Airport. Just when Ajax stock exchange fund is shocked by the departure of Marc Overmars, she engages in talks about a better relationship between the stadium and the soccer club. A gifted networker who manages the ArenA in the social context of the city of Amsterdam, but also a powerful business leader who is on top of the numbers. She is assisted by senior event manager Marielle Hollander (19880084) who leads events that require a great sense of responsibility.

T

BY OELE STEENKS - PHOTOGRAPHY JC ARENA, ELISABETH VAN DEN AREND SCHMIDT (19980003)

anja, fairly recently you took a sabbatical year.

Can you explain that step?

TD: "I enjoy working and have always been wrong in a pleasant working environment. I have never consciously thought about taking a sabbatical. But sometimes you find yourself in a situation where things coincide. Because of Corona, we were also undergoing a much-needed reorganization at Schiphol, whereby the management had put its jobs on the table and we were to reapply for a position in the organization or else look outside the company for another job. The fact that I was able to take a sabbatical with a severance pay that was financially independent was a wonderful opportunity, especially considering my father's health. My father (Ir. Wim Dik, former CEO of KPN, D66 State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, ed.) turned out to have a serious form of Alzheimer's disease. For me, a balance between my private life and work has always been essential and I never felt I missed out on important things with my four children, but now I had the opportunity to be at home even more and to take on the task of caring for my father one day a week. In addition, I walked the dog with family members from far and near throughout the Netherlands. I also advised several companies, without having to have money for it, so that I remained independent in my choice of my next job. Besides, I had the confidence that a new job would come along. Then you also dare to take that step more easily."

You were MD Consumer Products & Services at Schiphol Airport for five years.

It wasn't that you didn't like it at the airport?

TD: "The job at Schiphol was a perfect fit. The environment brought me a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but during the sabbatical year I came to the conclusion that in my next job I was looking for a more entrepreneurial environment. For me, things like being close to the customer and making sure that together you make the world a little bit better, and thus making the customer's world a little bit better, count. Operating close to the customer has been what motivates me for years. Whether you do this with theaters, with an airport or a stadium, the starting point is similar."

With what assignment from the Supervisory Board did you enter the Johan Cruijff ArenA? TD: "I did not receive a specific assignment from the Supervisory Board of Stadion Amsterdam NV. They were looking for a person who could take the ArenA to the next stage where both experience in the public-private domain and with the running business domain would be useful. Both being able to switch at the

administrative level and wanting to be hands-on. It has been more of a search for what the RVC felt was needed to deal with the ongoing issues, for example, improving the rapport with Ajax.

I was not told, Tanja, you have to take care of the stadium organization and achieve the following goals within a year. My predecessor, Henk Markerink, held the CEO's chair for 25 years, which naturally created a certain culture. People like working in the ArenA, which means we have a lot to cherish. At the same time, it's always good to reassess whether everything still fits the spirit of the times. My arrival means change, of course, because I'm a different person, I do things my own way. What matters is that people look at us differently nowadays and the world around us has changed.

It is good to determine together what the Johan Cruijff ArenA stands for and how we translate this."

How is the relationship with the Supervisory Board?

TD: "I knew two people from the Supervisory Board: Diederik Karsten (COO Liberty Global, ed.), because I was on the Marketing Board of the Rijksmuseum with him, and Aat Schouwenaar (former top executive at Endemol, ed.) because he was also my supervisory director at Stage Entertainment, where I worked for 17 years.

Recently, Mr. Fleur Mooren la Bastide was added, she is a former colleague at Stage Entertainment. So I have experience with three of the five commissioners. Hans van der Noordaa RA (CEO Deloitte Netherlands, ed.) is the chairman of the supervisory board. It helps if you already know each other, but I can switch just as well with Hans. The commissioners are usually present at Ajax matches, so I see them once every two weeks. They are definitely my sounding board. Given the regularity with which they experience the stadium business and their involvement in it, they quickly understand what's going on. The managerial responsibility of a supervisory board is somewhat different these days anyway, so it is more important for them to know what is going on. They are my bosses and we have good working arrangements, but the modern supervisory board member is also expected to talk to managers to find out what is going on behind the CEO. I am a great advocate of this transparency. It's also good that the commissioners are close to the fire, without of course taking over the work of the management.

The ArenA and Ajax are constantly under a magnifying glass, so it's good that a commissioner can answer questions firsthand.

In any case, I give them enough information to be able to fulfill their role. It helps that I am a commissioner myself at various companies, and know what is needed for a good cooperation.

I certainly have that with Hans. When do we spar, when do we separate roles and responsibilities? Hans fills that in excellently as chairman of the supervisory board."

Tanja Dik

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ALUMNI DRS. ING. TANJA DIK AND DRS. MARIELLE HOLLANDER PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR THE JC ARENA

Tanja Dik: "There is only one way forward and that is together with Ajax!"

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ALUMNI DRS. ING. TANJA DIK AND DRS. MARIELLE HOLLANDER PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR THE JC ARENA

Alumni Drs. Ing. Tanja Dik and Drs. Marielle H The room to grow sales doesn't seem great?

TD: "Indeed, there is no possibility of doubling down or expanding big time but there are always new opportunities. For example, we can generate more turnover through the advisory and innovation process. Marielle has done great things in the past when developing stadiums in Ukraine and Brazil.

Together with our business partners we have built up a lot of expertise with regard to stadium construction, and we also have a lot of knowledge and experience with sustainability, safety and fan experience. On these topics we do international challenges together with the KNVB, Ajax and UEFA, on which start-ups and scale-ups worldwide pitch. To this end, we have created a wonderful open eco-platform. Also on the social front - what does the stadium mean for the city of Amsterdam, Zuidoost and for the country - we are doing many projects, together with the municipality of Amsterdam, among others. However, this does not mean that we now suddenly have a new business branch, but one that can continue to grow. We have had peak years with a turnover in excess of 50 million, but in an average year the turnover is between 25 and 40 million euros. So we're not going to double down, except at the bottom of the line, because that's where we've had a problem the last two years."

How big is the ArenA family?

TD: "We have a wonderful team that fits in nicely with the diverse range of activities, so we are down to 60 people. In the years when we did a lot of international advisory projects, we had 80 to 90 people, including the people we hired internationally. We will increase the number of staff again if the operation or the business case advisory gives cause to do so. The headcount does not tell the complete story. At Schiphol, I experienced that it was Klein Nederland, now in my first months here, I experienced that the stadium is Klein Amsterdam.

The ArenA's stakeholder base is large. You really have a directing organization here. We have a joint venture with Ajax, which includes all the stewards, we work with companies that are in security and we work with caterers. On an average match night, there are about 1,500 people under our span of control, not to mention the nearly 56,000 supporters we want to let enjoy the match in complete safety."

How does coordination take place with the municipality of Amsterdam, which owns 48% of the shares?

TD: "We have a shareholder relationship, which runs through the alderman for finance of the City of Amsterdam (until recently Mr. Victor Everhardt,

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D66, ed.). Of course we also have a link with many other departments of the municipality, for example we sit with one alderman for area development and another for mobility and tunnel safety. Furthermore, we do great innovations together. Amsterdam has an innovation team that works with our innovation lab.

We have grown over the years into an execution force of the municipality. For example, we have helped with test situations in measuring aerosols that spread the coronavirus. In addition, security cameras have been tested with us. We are an organization that can act quickly and is used in grabbing short lead times."

In 2021 Ajax director Edwin van der Sar reported dissatisfaction with the cooperation with the JC ArenA. Among the issues at stake were a new loan from the stadium to ABN Amro, which made an earlier loan from Ajax to the stadium subordinate, various sponsor interests and the loss of hospitality revenue during Ajax's matches. The stock exchange fund holds 13 percent of the stadium's shares. At one point Van der Sar let slip that he wanted to take over the stadium completely. What are the current proportions?

TD: "I can be brief about that; I'm not going to make any substantive statements now, as we are in a mediation process. I can say that it sounds as if something really bad is going on, but actually things are going quite well. Parties start thinking for each other and filling in things, there is no normal consultation anymore and then you grow into a kind of symbiosis from which you can no longer escape.

It is also very important for major shareholder City of Amsterdam and the STAK Stadion Amsterdam N.V. that the two parties can get along. They have proposed the mediation process to the supervisory board. If a new CEO then comes in who is not burdened with that baggage, you can once again ask the right questions and reset the relationship. The only way forward is the way together with Ajax.

How we do it, we do it. It helps me that the problems between Schiphol and KLM are not that different from this situation. There it applied that you have so much more together, than as organizations separately. That's not much different here at the ArenA and Ajax. Ajax is a wonderful company with great clout in the field of commerce, media and sales. We, for our part, are very focused on hospitality and have an uncompromisingly high quality in the operational field. I have zero concerns about safety and the way visitors are served and treated. I can say that Edwin van der Sar is carried on his hands by Ajax regulars and season ticket holders. He sets himself up among the fans. In controlling the F Side he does sensible things."

To what extent did Marc Overmars' alleged transgressive behavior and his departure as technical director of Ajax, affect the staff of the ArenA? TD: "We are the home of Ajax, so of course you are affected by it. For example, our employees work at the service desk, which is also the main entrance to the Ajax offices. Those have a direct working relationship with the people of Ajax. As an organization, we work with Ajax day and night, because the club is not only our shareholder, but also our business partner. On the other hand, we are not Ajax. However, by the outside world and in the press, we are often seen as a single company. Then you see drawings, pictures or texts, talking about border-crossing behavior in the ArenA. That affects our people, because they are proud of the stadium and our company. Incidentally, it is of importance that you can ensure a safe and pleasant working environment in the organization. People must dare to come forward when there is transgressive behavior or integrity issues. In addition, we have a fifty-fifty ratio when it comes to men to women in the organization. I am aware that people really want to work at the ArenA, so that could mean something of power for our employees. Furthermore, there are circumstances here where people work together intensively for long hours and go for a drink after work, then our colleagues should have clear agreements about what kind of conversations you can have with each other. Fortunately, I have not received any signals that anything is wrong at the ArenA." It does take integrity and character to be able to deal with that position of power. You have the necessary experience of that as a senior event manager at the ArenA, don't you Marielle Hollander?

MH: "I've been with the ArenA for almost a quarter of a century, still in the same job title, but in varying roles and involved in different projects. Working here means that what you do is always big and high-profile. From the wedding party of Willem Alexander and Maxima, right after 9/11 with all the security issues, to Bonfire, the biggest terror exercise ever held in the Netherlands, to the funeral of Hazes, to the presentation of the Bollywood Oscars."

The public assumes that such events are normal and orderly.

Has it become so normal?

MH: "Everything that happens in the city can also happen here and at an accelerated pace, because here everything takes place on a square kilometer.

There is definitely pressure, but I have gotten used to that. When you are in the command room, you feel responsible for everyone who is in the stadium and for all the processes that take place there."

Hollander provide leadership for the JC ArenA

Can you control drug use among ArenA visitors?

MH: "Good question. Sensation is a dance event that was developed here in part by the stadium.

At first the local authorities started to exert enormous pressure, saying that a dance event like this in a stadium is unacceptable because of the massiveness and the associated drug use. In consultation, we arrived at criteria under which it was possible. We operate on the basis of zero tolerance. We now know all the places in the stadium where drugs could possibly be deposited.

And the security cameras allow us to zoom in on people with millimeter precision from the command room. A security plan is drawn up for each event and agreements are made with the local services police, fire department, GHOR and municipality and all the chain partners. For example, we have a completely different search method for a dance event than for a Ajax match. Around an event, we keep an eye on the news on social media and sometimes drug dogs are deployed."

How did you survive the pandemic?

MH: "That was, of course, very jarring and halting.

Initially, we focused in the organization on all the jobs that had been left on the desks. Documents such as a company emergency plan and an evacuation plan, we scrutinized and updated.

We did this in a fairly coordinated way from home.

And we did fun things in groups to keep the ArenA in the picture. For example, we opened a restaurant along the line when the terraces were allowed to open again. Together we pulled the clumps of grass from between the artificial turf and cleaned the stands, which had become covered in a thick layer of dust. That's how we kept up the spirit. But it was the first two years that we suffered losses. That was terrible. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to a number of colleagues."

Through August 13, 2022, the anniversary year runs. What else can you do to make those 25 years festive?

MH: "In terms of programming, we had the most

special, most beautiful programming ever. It has completely fallen apart. It feels doubly important to me to be celebrating the anniversary now, while we are entering our third year of losses. We are working on a modest way to pay attention to it with our relations, certificate holders and the Zuidoost district council."

How do you experience working with Tanja?

MH: "She does feel to me like a breath of fresh air in the company, taking a different business approach to things. Very human, structural and futureoriented! She combines a conceptual approach with an eye for the numbers. I am more of the people, the experience and the right feeling.

I want to translate and implement everything into practice as quickly as possible. That makes us a good complement to each other. I am also the chairman of the Works Council, so in that role I can also complement Tanja."

Back to you Tanja, how do you experience working with Marielle?

TD: "I almost heard her justify the fact that she has been with the ArenA for almost 25 years, admittedly in changing roles. What working here evidently brings is that Marielle can still step in with full energy. Of course this is also down to the person herself. Her knowledge and experience is extremely valuable. We can switch quickly and our working hours are reasonably synchronized. We can chat with each other until late at night. Our characters are also fairly close to each other."

You both attended Nyenrode; what is the common denominator?

MH: "That is the common set of values and standards that you have received. We didn't go there at the same time, but through our debates we have mutual friends. That common denominator gives a safe and secure feeling." TD:" In the first place, we went through the same process at Nyenrode, in which you learn to reflect on yourself and experience who you are, what you do and how you function with each other. You share with each other the drive for entrepreneurship. You always want to go to extremes for results. That is something that is instilled in you at Nyenrode. You need strong leadership here, because you are responsible for 56,000 people sitting in the stands at an Ajax match.

But at the same time, we have been given a sense of social responsibility as a pillar of the study at Nyenrode. The stadium plays an important role in the culture of Amsterdam Zuidoost. We quickly switch from our business to our contribution to the city culture."

Marielle Hollander

Tanja Dik

What events can we expect to see in the ArenA this summer?

MH: "At the moment there is a green light for new events. We have noticed that major artists are still struggling with the aftermath of the corona crisis.

The planning of European tours is going more slowly than usual because different precautions are still in place in different countries. The preparation time for some events has also become too short. For example, The Toppers is shifting to the fall. We are pre-selling and rescheduling events such as Sensation and Ed Sheeran in full production. He is giving two concerts, at which we are going to welcome 140,000 visitors. An artist like Ed Sheeran has bizarre requirements for ticket sales. The tickets must be issued in the artist's name, so they cannot be resold, and one person can order a maximum of four tickets. ID must be checked at the ArenA entrance and he also requires buyers to have their receipts with them. In such a situation, a lot depends on us on our understanding with ticketing partners.

The ticketers keep an excellent record of who tickets have been sold to anyway. Under the AVG, we receive the provenance data that we need to be able to regulate the flow to the stadium with our partners NS and GVB. We can also have a visitor profile. I'm very much looking forward to the fact that we will be able to run two full games." ♦

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Has technological development made the stadium safer?

MH: "Absolutely. It starts with the fact that the stands are compartmentalized. We also have cameras hanging everywhere, which allows us to quickly switch to offender detection. We can see and follow everything, and call people to account.

What's more, we know in advance who is sitting in the seat in question at matches. We still sometimes see people hiding under banners or changing clothes three times when we are looking for them.

But we quickly catch on to them."

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Alarm signals are being issued from various quarters about the increased pressure on youth psychiatry as a result of the corona pandemic. According to the Amsterdam child psychiatrist Arne Popma, the percentage of children and adolescents with mental problems has risen from 4 to 6%. It seems that something went quite wrong during the pandemic. Alumnus Mark de Haan (20130505) worked for 15 years at psychiatric institutions for addiction and youth psychiatry. We asked him about his views.

H

BY CHANTAL VAN DEN BRINK - PHOTO MARK DE HAAN

ow did you get into this industry?

MdH: "After the European School in Brussels, I went to Rotterdam to study law and became a member of the Corps.

But that environment didn't suit me; to keep it up I drank too much and experimented with drugs, which gave a feeling of security. Appearance of course, because I numbed my feelings, but I didn't realize that at the time. After a few years I went back to Brussels to continue my studies in an international setting, which was a relief. There I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and my Master of International Politics, but the thread of drugs and alcohol continued to haunt me, even when I went to work for the European Commission afterwards. Until, at 33, my sister-in-law rushed me to a clinic to detox; I have now been completely clean and sober for 16 years. That I am still alive is a miracle. I'll spare you the details, but I often balanced on the edge of death in the fight with myself. 'Facing my demons' was an intense, vulnerable process."

How did you get to Nyenrode after that difficult period?

MdH: "In 2007, because of this experience, I was asked to join Parnassia Group, a GGZ organization with 15,000 employees that treats some 160,000 patients a year.

From the talent club senior management, I was able to go to the executive MBA program at Nyenrode. In my first lecture, Strategic Marketing Communication, I told my story on the lectern during an assignment: 'Hello, my name is Mark and I'm an addict.' I found the study a great privilege. After my MBA, I became manager of operations at Lucertis, now Youz, a part of Parnassia Group in child psychiatry."

What was your job as manager of operations?

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MdH: "In healthcare you have dual management. As operations manager I worked with a healthcare manager, a psychiatrist, in the regions of Utrecht and North Holland to offer and realize youth mental health care in eight different locations.

The responsibility for youth mental health care had just been shifted from the central government to, at the time, 420 municipalities that were insufficiently prepared for this task. In my region alone, we as an organization had to connect to seven different administrative procedures and seven different visions of as many municipalities. You can't blame them for not having expertise in-house, but I find it incomprehensible that they are allowed to determine a large part of the policy themselves. There is no longer a uniform approach."

How do you see the problems in youth psychiatry?

MdH: "The system has stalled. On an organizational level, the main causes are decentralization and market forces. Up to the age of 18 the mental health care is financed by the municipalities, which receive money for it from central government; from the age of 18 the mental health care is reimbursed by the health insurance companies. Both work with production and budget ceilings that determine how many patients can be treated with which treatment methods at which rates. But the influx of patients is increasing. Often it is difficult to get subsequent funding for additional "production," causing waiting lists to grow.

Because of all the required reporting, too much of the money, time and attention goes to administration. Additional budget cuts have been at the expense of overhead such as administrative support, which has put increasing pressure on professionals. The high workload, lack of professional freedom and poor working conditions have led to a huge outflow of staff, currently around 10-15% per year.

Many people have started working for themselves, to be able to mean more and to create a higher quality of life for themselves. But there are also smart,

AN INTERVIEW WITH COACH AND FORMER MENTAL HEALTH MANAGER MARK DE HAAN sometimes rogue entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to extract money from all those budgets at the municipalities. The number of providers in youth mental health has increased from 1,000 to 6,000 since decentralization."

Why does the influx keep increasing, we live in a prosperous country, don't we?

MdH: "The larger, underlying problem is that the pressure on society has increased enormously. Life is becoming more and more complex due to rapid technological developments and the disappearance of old certainties, and our government is shifting more and more tasks to individual citizens. Not everyone can cope; more and more people are at risk of falling by the wayside, leading to a growing social divide.

Psychological well-being is not only a care task, it is a societal task.

If society loses its cohesion, and with it the preconditions for the psychological well-being of its citizens, care cannot solve that.

In the Netherlands it is assumed that a child is generally happy and joyful. Professor of child and adolescent psychiatry Robert Vermeiren says it well in the VPRO program Zomergasten:

We understand that a child can get cancer, but that a child is unhappy, has an eating disorder or cuts itself, we only half understand. According to the Trimbos Institute, we are seeing an increase in multi-morbidity among young people, which means that a growing group of children have a multiple diagnosis: depression, an eating disorder and self-harm. This is a worrying trend that has been reinforced by the corona crisis. The fear of the virus and all the measures such as closing schools, lockdowns, wearing masks and the 1.5 meter rule have led to an increase in feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression among the youth. There has also been an increase in domestic violence; more children are being abused and mistreated. But it's not just about an increase in mental health problems now, I hear from former colleagues that they are also worried about the long-term impact of the crisis."

From the Adverse Childhood Experiences research, we know that traumatic experiences in childhood can affect long term health and psychological status term negatively.

MdH: "Exactly. Psychological well-being is directly related to lifestyle and living conditions now and in the past. We humans, young and old, carry the legacy of our ancestors. We are all children from generations that have known war. At Center '45 they speak of 1st to 5th generation war victims. Trauma is passed down the family line through parental behavior and through our DNA. We have to get rid of the image that a person can always be happy. Negative feelings are part of life, we must learn to deal with them. We must collectively learn to face our demons. Yes, in the slums things happen that we cannot imagine, such as young children with two addicted parents leading to serious traumas. But also in the better environments, more happens behind closed doors than we want to know. We must dare to talk about that, because it is part of life."

When does the mental health system consider a child's treatment successful?

MdH: "The question is: how do you measure that? You are in process all your life, it never ends. Now we work with protocols for x number of treatments.

Medication is often used because it quickly leads to stabilization, provided it is properly regulated. This is of course ridiculous, but the perverse system makes it inevitable. It is the result of the fight for money and a too narrow vision of the profession."

pressure to perform in schools must be reduced; children must regain the feeling that they have a say in their lives. Prevention is better than cure; we need to focus more on prevention. This includes teaching children in schools about the importance of lifestyle, such as exercise and healthy eating.

Furthermore, we need to teach them that it is normal to have negative feelings from time to time and teach them to keep their balance with exercise and mindfulness, for example."

A social mission, in other words. What can the central government change about the organization of the mental health service?

MdH: "About the organization of the GGZ Bert van de Hoek, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Trimbos Institute has made a series of proposals in articles and in open letters to the government. I can recommend everyone to read those. In itself there is enough money in the GGZ, only we spend it the wrong way. Now there is regulation from the central government, from the municipalities, from the Dutch Healthcare Authority, from the health insurers and from the GGZ institutions themselves. Reducing the administrative burden by 80% would free up money, time and energy for the care itself. Furthermore, market forces must be radically ended. Humanity and service should come first, and we should work together instead of competing with each other. The GGZ should, as Van de Hoek proposes, develop into a network organization in a broader social context in which the GGZ is the specialist station for the more complex cases. A first step was the introduction of the practice support worker at the GP who separates the light cases from the heavy ones to slow down the flow to the GGZ. But more is needed. A central, uniform management of the youth mental health care is necessary, from a common, preferably more holistic vision. Psychiatry now classifies patients according to the DSM and treats them according to evidence-based protocols that work well for the average patient, but in 50% of cases do not work for that specific patient. Why don't we first talk to the child without a diagnosis? Just listen to the whole story; do not classify and medicalize every problem immediately, but look at the situation from a 'body, mind and soul' perspective. Treatments should consist of a combination of regular evidence-based treatments and best practice methods from other disciplines. But the system doesn't allow it; the predicate 'evidence-based' is mainly used to avoid having to reimburse treatments."

Where do you get this conviction that we need to treat more broadly than "evidence-based"?

MdH: "Mirage, now Triora, where I received my treatment, combines mainstream care with the self-help, 12 - step philosophy in a bio-psychosocial approach on physical, mental and social levels. Spirituality, in the sense of deep self-examination, is an important part of this approach. Without cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, I would not have gotten there.

But I also needed to find something stronger than that devastating, powerful addiction, a higher power. When I read the book "The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama, something in me "turned on.” Then I started working as an experiential therapist on the team that treated me. When patients came in, their eyes were dull and empty. Through the holistic treatment, the light in their eyes came back on, as if the soul had returned. Wonderful! You can also find this fact in the book 'The Tiger Awakens' by Peter Levine; an integral approach of 'body, mind and soul' makes the energy flow again." ♦

From your experience, what would you change about the Youth Mental Health Services?

MdH: "The psychological well-being of our youth is not just the responsibility of healthcare; the entire ecosystem around a child must function adequately.

So we need to help families. Research shows that parents themselves do not see what their children need: time, attention and togetherness; or they know, but do not get around to it because they are too busy themselves. But also the VAN VERRE 291| 51

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SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 4

TH

75-jarig bestaan Nyenrode LUSTRUM LOGO The lustrum logo is based on the shield of Nyenrode. The shield consists of four areas, each of which is divided into 6 and 12 bars.

The stars are inspired by this division, plus a wreath of a 75-pointed star, which obviously refers to the lustrum.

This academic year is a special year for Nyenrode:

Vanuit allerlei achtergronden komen men-

Nyenrode inspireert om kritisch te

Onze alumni weten: de vaardigheden die je

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opdoet en het netwerk dat je opbouwt, blij-

Van 20 november 2021 tot en met juli

Business Universiteit: ze willen zich ont-

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ven je voor altijd bij. Dat heeft positieve in-

2022 vieren we ons 75-jarig bestaan.

wikkelen tot daadkrachtige professionals

voor nieuwe inzichten en om door

vloed op jezelf, de mensen om je heen en de

Houd www.nyenrode.nl/75jaar in de

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te blijven leren.

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gaten voor het meest actuele programma.

maken. Nu én in de toekomst.

Life long learning…

Nyenrode. A reward for life.

WE ARE CELEBRATING NYENRODE. A REWARD FOR LIFE

OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY – OUR 75TH BIRTHDAY!

On Saturday, June 4TH, 2022 we celebrate this milestone with an inspiration festival during the day and a big party next to the castle in the evening.

Be sure to put the date in your calendar!

More information about the program and ticket sales will follow soon!

PARTY & INSPIRATION FESTIVAL WWW.NYENRODE.NL/75-JAAR Here you will also find a link to the shop for special anniversary items, such as a coffee to-go mug and a nice sweater.

52 | VAN VERRE 291

Do you have questions about the lustrum? Send an e-mail to 75@nyenrode.nl. We'll be happy to help.

COLUMN

CONGRATULATIONS BANK We are celebrating the anniversary with you.

We are collecting stories, photos and videos for the congratulations bank.

Would you like to congratulate Nyenrode as well? Make a video of about one minute and send it to: 75@nyenrode.nl.

MAY 16 In the coming months you can join various theme days.

On Monday, May 16, the theme day 'Artificial Intelligence & Ethics' will take place. Several faculty members, including Cokky Hilhorst, Ronald Jeurissen and Sacha Spoor, will give you more insight into the ethical dilemmas surrounding robotization and artificial intelligence (AI).

Learn more Find here: www.nyenrode. nl/16mei

KAPÉ BREUKELAAR (19860015) BBA Nyenrode, is a partner of investment firm Amlon Capital.

He previously wrote for eighteen years for The Telegraph and was a regular contributor from the television program Kassa.

Active passive investing Recently Blackrock, the world's largest index investor, announced that they have over $10,000 billion under management. The number two is Vanguard, they manage some $7.2 billion. To put those amounts in perspective, the ABP has just under $600 billion worth of assets under management. The growth of Blackrock and Vanguard is simple to explain. Their index products operate at low costs and closely follow the developments of the stock market index. The (low) costs ensure that the return is just slightly lower than the return of the index. With this, index products do beat the vast majority of actively managed investment funds. To do better than the market average, the manager of an active mutual fund must make clear choices and consciously deviate from the market average. And that fund manager starts at a disadvantage because he or she will first have to make up for the higher costs. In the vast majority of cases, passive investing yields more than active investing.

But which index should you choose as an index investor? After all, there are many hundreds of different stock market indices. You can also invest in almost all of those indices with an index tracker. Do you want smallcap stocks in North America, highdividend stocks in emerging markets or private equity funds? It's all possible via an index investment. A number of asset managers offer a solution for this. They make a selection of index products for their clients and thus build a well-diversified portfolio which they actively manage and monitor for you. Not only in shares but also in bonds and real estate. In recent years I have invariably compared the returns achieved by these asset managers. The results are not easy.

Suppose you are a very offensive investor who wants to invest only in stocks. Then you can invest in the FTSE All World Index through Vanguard. Simply through a cheaper online broker. The annual costs for this product total 0.22% of the invested capital.

These assets are spread over 3,800 shares and almost 50 countries in both developed and emerging markets. With this fund you participate around 95% of the global market capitalization in equity markets. In other words: you only miss 5% smaller companies and markets. You can't get much better at spreading equity investments within one index. In the years 2016 through 2021, this pure equity product delivered over 100% return after expenses.

The asset managers who invest in indices for you all have the option of choosing a very offensive profile, i.e. as much as possible in equities. They determine how your assets are spread around the world. All five lag behind Vanguard's simple global product, which has returned 100% over the last six years. The best performing manager lags 5%, the worst 28%. For years I have been tracking these returns and every year I come to the same conclusion: active investing with passive index products will end up costing you money. These managers do not add value to equity investments; on the contrary, they cost you returns. Active investing with passive investment products is an expensive contradiction. If you want to invest passively, you really must do so. And with a little know-how you can do that yourself in a very simple way.n. ♦ Kapé Breukelaar (19860015)

VAN VERRE 291| 53

TumTum

Editor: Alumni Office - info@nyenrodealumni.nl

Fascination with Winsemius Sr.

ROLE MODEL AUDREY HEPBURN "If I'm the smartest person in the room, I'm in the wrong room," is her quote in the March Harper's Bazaar.

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen (19850161), top woman of AON Holdings: "Dare to dream big: reach your hands and eyes to the stars, keep your feet on the ground. Then there's a wonderful journey ahead of you and a whole world to be won. As my role model Audrey Hepburn once said, 'Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist'."

Frans Stoelinga (19630121) is nearly 80 years old and recently received his doctorate in history.

He bit into the role that economist Albert Winsemius, father of ex-minister and Mckinsey top executive Pieter Winsemius, played in the development of the city-state of Singapore. Dr. Frans published the book "Albert Winsemius, the man who made the Netherlands and Singapore rich.

Lack of 'bonding' Dave Heilbron (19970092) was quoted as head of recruitment at Aegon in Het Financieele Dagblad: “There is an extreme labor crisis and an unprecedented number of vacancies.

People are not staying with an employer for very long.” The corona crisis, he says, is to blame for this. “Young people have not been able to build up a bond with the company, and are more likely to leave.”

HUBRECHT THE FIRST! Also turning 80 was Hubrecht Duijker (19610020). He calls himself a Vinpressionist, a term he was the first to use. The author is rightly an obvious choice. He was the first to call himself a wine writer and to start practicing that profession full time in 1974. He managed to produce 120 wine publications, mostly books, but also calendars, a world record. 25 Books were translated into German, English, French, Danish, Spanish and Swedish. And he was the first to create an online platform on which Dutch amateur painters can exhibit their most beautiful works for free, which some hundred artists are now doing.

54 | VAN VERRE 291

COLOPHON

PRIVÉ VAN VERRE

BORN Vera Anne Christine Versteegen November 2, 2021 Daughter of Stijn (20130336) and Marleen (20110054) Versteegen

DECEASED Paul Kruip (19540043) Rob Sillman (19570094) Mark Hammer (19860185) Paul Brons (19985203) Pieter Geill (19570031) Deo van Wijk (19710042) John van Harn (19480022) John Heijgemer (19710508)

LAST HOLE REACHED Karel Leeflang (19580060) lives up to his name. Between 2008 and 2011, he was president of the famed Amsterdam Golf Club. After years of loyal service, he also stops writing memorable articles for the Birdie, the club magazine of the AGC.

VAN VERRE Is the official periodical of the Nyenrode Alumni Continuing Company of Distant Experience (VCV), Association of former students at Nyenrode and appears every three months in an edition of 5,900.

64th volume, March 2022, number 291 EDITORIAL Oele Steenks (19720057 BBA) - josteenks@planet.nl ART DIRECTOR: Roos Jonker - ter Kuile COORDINATION: Simone Daniëls (19960021) EMPLOYEES Chantal van den Brink, Liselotte van Dedem-Staal, Madeleine Kemna (19850036 BBA), Jan Meertens (19770073 BBA), Prof. Dr. Ir. Andre Nijhof NBU, Hanno Nicolaas Ponder (10750048), Christiaan Ruijgrok (20140070 MsC), Gary de Vogel (20107252), Annemiek Wortel (19820136 BBA), LXXVIe Collegie der Heeren V, JCV Bestuur, VAS Bestuur COLUMNISTS Kapé Breukelaar (19860015 BBA), Joep Stassen (19850083 BBA), Prof. Dr. Jaap Schaveling NBU EDITORIAL ADDRESS AND SECRETARIAT Nyenrode Alumni VCV Office Nyenrode Business Universiteit Straatweg 25 3621 BG Breukelen t: (+31) 346 29 15 13 e: info@nyenrodealumni.nl w: nyenrodealumni.nl bank: ING Bank Breukelen IBAN: NL54 INGB 0657 3453 50, BIC: INGBNL2A The membership fee is 75,- euro per year, partner membership is 20,- euro per year.

ADS Nyenrode Alumni VCV Office t: (+31) 346 29 15 13 e: info@nyenrodealumni.nl SUBSCRIPTION As a member of Nyenrode Alumni VCV, you will receive Van Verre for free.

ISSN 2405-626X NUMBER292 – DEADLINE 15 april – THEME American Stories DEADLINE May 27, 2022 The digital editions of Van Verre in Dutch and English can be found at nyenrodealumni.nl. It is possible that the content of the magazine is indexed by search engines such as Google. On the platform you will also find the latest information. As a member you will also receive the digital newsletter eight times a year, which is complementary to this publication.

The editors reserve the right at all times to refuse, shorten or otherwise edit copy. Placing copy does not imply that the editors always endorse the tenor of what is written.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an automatic database or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nyenrode Alumni VCV.

VAN VERRE 291| 55

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